Source: World Health Organization (WHO) - Sao Tome and Principe |

São Tomé and Príncipe: Putting vaccination at the forefront in a changing world

WHO supported the introduction of new vaccines, vaccination campaigns and community mobilization to boost demand for immunization services

At the maternal and child health centre of Agua Grande in the country’s capital, São Tomé, it’s vaccination day. By 9:00, the benches are filled with mothers cradling their babies and fathers watching over older children, while health booklets pass quietly from hand to hand amid the conversations. In the…

Merck Foundation
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  • Images (15)
    • Merck Foundation Chairman and CEO with the First Ladies of Africa and Asia during the MFFLI SUMMIT 2025
    • The First Lady of Angola during the Merck Foundation
    • The First Lady of Cabo Verde during the Merck Foundation
    • The First Lady of Central African Republic during the Merck Foundation
    • The First Lady of Gabon during the Merck Foundation
    • The First Lady of Ghana during the Merck Foundation
    • The First Lady of Kenya during the Merck Foundation
    • The First Lady of Liberia during the Merck Foundation
    • The First Lady of Maldives during the Merck Foundation
    • The First Lady of Mozambique during the Merck Foundation
    • The First Lady of Nigeria during the Merck Foundation
    • The First Lady of Sao Tome and Principe during the Merck Foundation
    • The First Lady of Senegal during the Merck Foundation
    • The First Lady of The Gambia during the Merck Foundation
    • The First Lady of Zimbabwe during the Merck Foundation
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Source: Merck Foundation |

Dr. Rasha Kelej & First Ladies of Africa & Asia call for action to Build Healthcare and Media capacity, Break Infertility Stigma & Support Girl Education during 2025 Merck Foundation First Ladies initiative - MFFLI

I was pleased to hear from the First Ladies of Africa and Asia about the remarkable progress they have achieved in their countries

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, conducted the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative - MFFLI Summit 2025 on 19th and 20th June. The summit was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, and Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej,…

Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) |

São Tomé and Príncipe: High-level policy dialogue to anchor tourism at the heart of economic diversification

The High-Level Policy Dialogue on 30 October will serve as a key moment for advocacy, dialogue and political engagement

São Tomé and Príncipe is set to take a decisive step toward building a sustainable tourism sector grounded in clear economic indicators. With the support of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office, the country will hold a High-Level Policy Dialogue to…

Merck Foundation
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    • Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation & President of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative with H.E. Mrs. MARIA DE FATIMA VILA NOVA, First Lady of São Tomé and Príncipe and Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” Campaign at the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit (1)
    • Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation & President of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative with H.E. Mrs. MARIA DE FATIMA VILA NOVA, First Lady of São Tomé and Príncipe and Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” Campaign at the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit (2)
    • Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation & President of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative with H.E. Mrs. MARIA DE FATIMA VILA NOVA, First Lady of São Tomé and Príncipe and Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” Campaign at the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit (3)
    • Merck Foundation Chairman and CEO with the First Ladies of Africa and Asia during the MFFLI SUMMIT 2025 (1)
    • Merck Foundation Chairman and CEO with the First Ladies of Africa and Asia during the MFFLI SUMMIT 2025 (2)
    • Merck Foundation Chairman and CEO with the First Ladies of Africa and Asia during the MFFLI SUMMIT 2025 (3)
    • Merck Foundation Chairman and CEO with the First Ladies of Africa and Asia during the MFFLI SUMMIT 2025 (4)
    • Merck Foundation Chairman and CEO with the First Ladies of Africa and Asia during the MFFLI SUMMIT 2025 (5)
    • Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation & President of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative with H.E. Mrs. MARIA DE FATIMA VILA NOVA, First Lady of São Tomé and Príncipe and Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” Campaign at the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit (4)
    • Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation & President of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative with H.E. Mrs. MARIA DE FATIMA VILA NOVA, First Lady of São Tomé and Príncipe and Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” Campaign at the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit (5)
    • Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation & President of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative with H.E. Mrs. MARIA DE FATIMA VILA NOVA, First Lady of São Tomé and Príncipe and Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” Campaign at the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit (1)
    • Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation & President of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative with H.E. Mrs. MARIA DE FATIMA VILA NOVA, First Lady of São Tomé and Príncipe and Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” Campaign at the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit (2)
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Source: Merck Foundation |

Merck Foundation Chief Executive Officer (CEO) meets The First Lady of São Tomé and Príncipe & 13 African and Asian First Ladies of Africa at the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit 2025

Merck Foundation together with the office of The First Lady of São Tomé and Príncipe has also conducted 2 editions of Online Health Media Training to emphasize on the critical role of media in addressing critical social and health issues

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, conducted the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative - MFFLI Summit 2025 recently. It was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, and Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation &…

Source: African Union (AU) |

Message from the Chairperson of the African Union Commission on Independence Day of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe

The African Union reaffirms its strong partnership with São Tomé and Príncipe and its dedication to advancing regional integration, sustainable development, and lasting peace across the continent

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, warmly congratulates the Government and people of Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe as they celebrate another year of independence. Today, we celebrate not only the anniversary of independence but also the nation’s remarkable journey of political resilience…

Source: United Arab Emirates, Ministry of Foreign Affairs |

United Arab Emirates (UAE) President, Vice President (VPs) congratulate President of São Tomé and Príncipe on Independence Day

His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, also sent similar message to President of São Tomé and Príncipe and to Prime Minister Americo d'Oliveira dos Ramos on the occasion

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has sent a message of congratulations to President Carlos Vila Nova of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe on the occasion of his country's Independence Day. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and…

Source: Ministry of External Affairs - Government of India |

Government of India gifts 6 school buses to Government of Sao Tome & Principe

India’s gift is in response to the request received from the Government of Sao Tome and Principe, seeking India’s assistance in making school education more accessible

Government of India has gifted a fleet of 6 school buses to the Government of Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe. In a ceremony held in Sao Tome on April 10, 2025, these buses were handed over to H.E. Ms. Isabel Maria Correia Viegas de Abreu, Minister of Education,…

Source: International Monetary Fund (IMF) |

International Monetary Fund (IMF) Reaches Staff-Level Agreement on an Extended Credit Facility Arrangement with São Tomé and Príncipe

The authorities’ ambitious reform program aims at restoring macroeconomic stability while laying the foundations for faster and more inclusive growth

IMF staff and the São Toméan authorities have reached staff-level agreement on economic policies and reforms to be supported by a new 40-month arrangement under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF), updating the agreement reached last year. This renewed staff-level agreement is subject to IMF Management approval and IMF Executive Board…

Afreximbank
Source: Afreximbank |

Afreximbank and Government of São Tomé and Príncipe to host Investment Forum aimed at promoting investment and enhancing trade

The event will facilitate B2B engagements, present joint ventures, offer public-private-partnerships and allow for private sector business deals to be concluded

With an eye on promoting trade, investment and financing opportunities in São Tomé and Príncipe, African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com), in partnership with the Government and the Promotion, Commerce and Investment Agency (APCI) of São Tomé and Príncipe are hosting the “São Tomé and Príncipe Investment Forum.” The forum is…

Source: Kingdom of Morocco - Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates |

Morocco: His Majesty (HM) The King Congratulates São Tomé And Principe’s President on National Day

HM the King expresses His warmest congratulations to Mr. Carlos Vila Nova and His best wishes for further progress and prosperity to the people of São Tomé and Principe

HM King Mohammed VI sent a message of congratulations to the President of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Principe, Carlos Vila Nova, on his country's national day. In this message, HM the King expresses His warmest congratulations to Mr. Carlos Vila Nova and His best wishes for further…