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President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Her Excellency Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, has called upon the spouses of African leaders to leverage their influence in supporting the adoption of clean cooking energy solutions across their countries.
Speaking at the opening of the 11th Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary conference, held on October 29, 2024, at the Johari Rotana Hotel in Dar es Salaam,
President Samia emphasized the importance of clean energy for public health and environmental conservation.
President Samia highlighted that the transition to clean cooking energy is a critical step towards achieving sustainable development goals and improving the quality of life for millions of women who are disproportionately affected by traditional cooking methods.
“The use of clean energy is essential not only for environmental protection but also for safeguarding the health of our communities,” she stated, encouraging leaders’ spouses to advocate for these initiatives within their home countries.
In addition to encouraging clean energy adoption, President Samia urged the leaders’ spouses to engage their husbands in initiating national campaigns promoting the use of safe cooking alternatives.
By doing so, she noted, they could significantly reduce the health risks associated with traditional biomass fuels, such as firewood and charcoal, which produce harmful smoke.
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Prolonged exposure to smoke from these sources is a leading cause of respiratory diseases, particularly affecting women and children in regions with limited access to modern cooking fuels.
The Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary conference, an annual event, serves as a platform for policymakers, health professionals, and stakeholders to discuss key issues affecting healthcare and social welfare in Africa and Asia.
This year, participants are focusing on topics like healthcare access, women’s empowerment, and sustainable energy solutions.
The conference’s objectives align with Merck Foundation’s mission to foster development through healthcare and empowerment initiatives, particularly for marginalized communities.
The First Spouses expressed their collective commitment to promoting clean energy in their respective nations, acknowledging its benefits for health and the environment.
Their support, President Samia added, would advance Merck Foundation’s goal of uplifting communities through targeted healthcare initiatives and practical solutions that improve the quality of life.
The conference, spanning two days, will continue with discussions on strategies to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and promote clean energy use, aiming for lasting impact across Africa and Asia.
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