Merk filling critical gaps – First Lady
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday June 22, 2026 15:30
Addressing the 12th Merck Foundation recently, First Ladies Initiative Summit attended by 12 African First Ladies virtually, Boko said Botswana has benefited significantly from programmes aimed at improving inclusive education, healthcare, and community awareness.
She revealed that her office launched the Mpepu programme in 2025, an initiative focused on promoting the rights, well-being, inclusion, and development of children, particularly those who are vulnerable and at risk of being left behind. Furthermore, Boko said her office is working with the Merck Foundation under the Educating Linda programme to improve support for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
She said as part of the partnership, Botswana recently received psychometric and diagnostic assessment tools to strengthen disability assessment and intervention services.
“This donation represents a significant investment in Botswana’s efforts to strengthen disability assessment and inclusive education services,” she said.
Boko stressed that education goes beyond access to classrooms, emphasising the need to ensure every child is understood, supported and empowered to thrive. Consequently, she said her office has partnered with the Ministry of Child Welfare and Basic Education to support 20 high-performing girls from underprivileged backgrounds and revive the distribution of stationery sets to learners across the country.
Turning to healthcare, Boko said the Merck Foundation has awarded 58 scholarships to Botswana healthcare professionals in critical and underserved specialities, including diabetes, oncology, acute medicine, and internal medicine.
In addition, she noted that Botswana is engaging the foundation to provide specialised training for teachers to strengthen support for children with intellectual, developmental, behavioural, and learning disabilities within schools.
Boko also welcomed 13 scholarships awarded in fertility, embryology, and sexual and reproductive healthcare, saying they will help build a network of specialists and improve reproductive health services in the country.
“These scholarships will play a vital role in strengthening women’s healthcare and supporting couples on their journey towards building families,” she said.
Meanwhile, she said Botswana is implementing several community awareness programmes targeting gender-based violence, infertility stigma, child marriage, girls’ education, diabetes, and hypertension. She said the initiatives will utilise animation films, media training, and awards in fashion, music, and film to drive behavioural change.
Boko further disclosed that Botswana plans to broadcast Merck Foundation animation films on national television after translating them into local languages to improve accessibility and public understanding.
She reaffirmed Botswana’s commitment to a long-term partnership with the foundation, expressing gratitude for its continued support in addressing national development priorities.