Merck Foundation Announces Winners of Fashion, Song, and Film Awards 2025

The Merck Foundation has announced the winners of its Fashion, Song, and Film Awards 2025 to promote women's empowerment and awareness about social issues in Africa. The awards were given under two themes: 'More Than a Mother' and 'Diabetes & Hypertension'.

Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.) congratulated the 51 winners from 15 African countries, praising them for creatively conveying important messages through their work. She emphasized that fashion and art play a crucial role in raising awareness about health and sensitive social issues.

The winners of the 'More Than a Mother' Fashion Awards were Ropafadzo Mapira from Zimbabwe and Adebayo Balikis Ireti from Nigeria, who tied for first place. Other notable winners included Christianah Adebimpe Dare from Nigeria and Mame Bara Gaye from Senegal.

The 'Diabetes & Hypertension' Fashion Awards had Christianah Adebimpe Dare from Nigeria and Lynn Chipendo from Zimbabwe as the top winners. The Merck Foundation also announced the Call for Applications for its 2026 edition, inviting young talents to submit their creative work on breaking the silence on social issues.