ALPHA Media Holdings reporters Moses Mugugunyeki and Silence Mugadzaweta were among the winners at the Merck Foundation alumni summit and media awards ceremony held yesterday.

Speaking at the awards ceremony held at State House in the capital, First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa urged journalists to continue writing developmental stories that help improve the lives of the vulnerable and marginalised people.

“During the worst days of COVID-19, we believed in the media for disseminating important information on the pandemic and l encourage our journalists to continue doing this,” Mnangagwa said.

She thanked the Merck Foundation for supporting the local media through its More than A Mother awards.

Merck Foundation chief executive Rasha Kelej expressed gratitude to Mnangagwa for her role as the foundation’s ambassador in Zimbabwe.

“Dr Mnangagwa has done very well as Merck Foundation ambassador and through her Angel of Hope Foundation in addressing the plight of young mothers and girls,” Kelej said.

“We hope to continue working with the First Lady of Zimbabwe in a number of programmes, including the education of girls.”

She said Merck Foundation supported a range of programmes, including expanding professional capabilities in healthcare, research and media as well as improving access to innovative and equitable healthcare solutions.

The foundation also empowers women and youths in education with a special focus on STEM [science, technology, engineering and mathematics].

Health and Child Care deputy minister John Mangwiro said the foundation’s healthcare programme would go a long way in capacity development of health practitioners.

Merck Foundation has so far provided 100 scholarships to 100 practitioners in Zimbabwe.