A message from H.E. PROF. GERTRUDE MUTHARIKA
As the First Lady of Malawi and ambassador of “Merck More Than a Mother” campaign, I am very happy to share with you this inspiring story of Limbani and Takondwa.
As you all know, in many cultures, childless women still suffer discrimination, stigma and ostracism.
It is sad to know that women are blamed for infertility, although 50% of infertility are due to men. We need to encourage men to speak up and discuss their infertility issues openly and know that fertility is a shared responsibility.
One in every four couples in developing countries suffer infertility. this prevalence rate is high indeed. Majority of infertility cases can be due to untreated infectious disease, such as Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Genital mutilation, unsafe abortion, and unsafe delivery, hence prevention is very important, and this is one of the main objectives of the campaign.
Therefore, I am very happy to work closely with Merck Foundation to empower women and raise awareness among our communities, with special focus on the youth (girls and boys) through this story, to know how to prevent infertility, how to protect themselves and also how to value themselves whether they are mothers or not. Women are more than just mothers, they are productive members in society and should be respected.
This story is part of the ‘Merck More than a Mother’ campaign which is very close to my heart. I hope you will understand the message behind it. I believe we must prepare our children for tomorrow with the right family values of love and respect.
Having a child, takes both a man and a woman, every woman is more than a mother, every man is more than a father.
H.E. PROF. GERTRUDE MUTHARIKA
The First Lady of the Republic of Malawi
