Latest news with #FirstLadies


Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Kay Burley joins This Morning after bitter feud with another star of the show
KAY Burley made her This Morning debut this week - stepping into a segment regularly fronted by Camilla Tominey. The veteran broadcaster made her debut on the ITV sofa just weeks after a public spat with regular contributor Camilla - and appeared to step directly into her territory. 4 Kay Burley has made her debut on ITV's This Morning 4 She sat besied Gyles Brandreth to discuss the day's news 4 She had a public spat with This Morning contributor Camilla Tominey earlier this year Credit: Rex Kay appeared alongside Gyles Brandreth to discuss the day's news, including the Princess of Wales pulling out of Royal Ascot yesterday — a subject closely associated with Royal correspondent Camilla. Taking the lead on the topic, Kay said: 'The point I'm trying to make is the conspiracy theorists will be asking, well why is she not there, where is she?' Camilla is This Morning's royal expert and appeared on the ITV daytime show on Monday. The appearance follows a blistering column by Camilla, who described Kay as 'TV's answer to Liz Truss' in the wake of her departure from Sky News. She added: 'Some may say good riddance' and called her 'as resilient as her facelift.' Kay, 64, hit back, accusing Camilla of misogyny and writing on X: '#Sweetie @CamillaTominey as the late, great Madeleine Albright said, there is a special place in hell for women who don't support other women.' While tensions between the two broadcasters simmered, others in the industry rushed to support Kay's legacy. Susanna Reid called her 'a powerful interviewer and a supporter of women in television,' while Victoria Derbyshire said she had 'blazed an absolute trail.' Kay joined Sky News as a founding presenter in 1989 and left earlier this year after 36 years on air. She had been the face of Sky News for major world events, such as the death of Princess Diana, the births of the Royal babies and the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Kay Burley, 64, retires from Sky News after 36 years and says 'it's time for me to indulge in other passions'- As well as hosting live TV, Kay published her debut novel, First Ladies in 2011, which was followed by her second book Betrayal in 2012. The anchor's career first started in BBC local radio and Tyne Tees Television. She then joined ITV's TV-am in 1985 as a reporter and occasional newsreader. Kay shares her only child - who's real name is Alexander - with her ex-husband, Steve Kutner. Before leaving Sky News in February, Kay had hosted the 24-hour rolling news channel's breakfast programme for the last five years, moving from her afternoon slot in 2019. Leaving Sky News, she said: "From a standing start to one of the most recognised and valued brands in global news, it's been an honour and privilege to work with some of the best and hardest working teams in the business. "News by its very nature is often devastating and together we've covered so many life-changing events - from the tragic death of Diana, the shocking terror attack of 9/11; the Asian Tsunami; the Concorde air disaster. "But we've also enjoyed some wonderful high notes too, haven't we - the thrill of London winning the chance to host the 2012 Olympics; a plethora of royal weddings; jubilees and who can forget days and days and DAYS waiting for royal babies to arrive at the Lindo Wing. "But after over a million minutes of live TV news - more than anyone else in the world - its time for me to indulge in some of my other passions - including my love for travel. "So, after covering 12 separate general elections - including Sir Keir Starmer's victory last year - I am retiring from Sky News - let politicians of every party just rejoice at that news! "Thank you for waking up and tuning in every morning. I can't tell you how much I have appreciated your support over the last three and a half decades: You're awesome. "I will post more on my social media and hope to see you around. Please keep in touch." Sky bosses took Kay off air for six months in 2020 after her birthday bash flouted Coronavirus lockdown rules at the time with the anchor apologising for the "error of judgement".


The Irish Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Kay Burley joins This Morning after bitter feud with another star of the show
KAY Burley made her This Morning debut this week - stepping into a segment regularly fronted by Camilla Tominey. The veteran broadcaster made her debut on the ITV sofa just weeks after a public spat with regular contributor Advertisement 4 Kay Burley has made her debut on ITV's This Morning 4 She sat besied Gyles Brandreth to discuss the day's news 4 She had a public spat with This Morning contributor Camilla Tominey earlier this year Credit: Rex Kay appeared alongside Taking the lead on the topic, Kay said: 'The point I'm trying to make is the conspiracy theorists will be asking, well why is she not there, where is she?' Camilla is This Morning's royal expert and appeared on the ITV daytime show on Monday. The appearance follows a blistering column by Camilla, who described Kay as 'TV's answer to Liz Truss' in the wake of her departure from Sky News. Advertisement READ MORE ON THIS MORING She added: 'Some may say good riddance' and called her 'as resilient as her facelift.' Kay, 64, hit back, accusing Camilla of misogyny and writing on X: '#Sweetie @CamillaTominey as the late, great Madeleine Albright said, there is a special place in hell for women who don't support other women.' While tensions between the two broadcasters simmered, others in the industry rushed to support Kay's legacy. Susanna Reid called her 'a powerful interviewer and a supporter of women in television,' while Victoria Derbyshire said she had 'blazed an absolute trail.' Advertisement Most read in News TV Kay joined Sky News as a founding presenter in 1989 and left earlier this year after 36 years on air. She had been the face of Sky News for major world events, such as the death of Princess Diana, the births of the Royal babies and the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Kay Burley, 64, retires from Sky News after 36 years and says 'it's time for me to indulge in other passions'- As well as hosting live TV, Kay published her debut novel, First Ladies in 2011, which was followed by her second book Betrayal in 2012. The anchor's career first started in BBC local radio and Tyne Tees Television. She then joined ITV's TV-am in 1985 as a reporter and occasional newsreader. Advertisement Kay shares her only child - who's real name is Alexander - with her ex-husband, Steve Kutner. Before leaving Sky News in February, Kay had hosted the 24-hour rolling news channel's breakfast programme for the last five years, moving from her afternoon slot in 2019. Leaving Sky News, she said: "From a standing start to one of the most recognised and valued brands in global news, it's been an honour and privilege to work with some of the best and hardest working teams in the business. "News by its very nature is often devastating and together we've covered so many life-changing events - from the tragic death of Diana, the shocking terror attack of 9/11; the Asian Tsunami; the Concorde air disaster. Advertisement "But we've also enjoyed some wonderful high notes too, haven't we - the thrill of London winning the chance to host the 2012 Olympics; a plethora of royal weddings; jubilees and who can forget days and days and DAYS waiting for royal babies to arrive at the Lindo Wing. "But after over a million minutes of live TV news - more than anyone else in the world - its time for me to indulge in some of my other passions - including my love for travel. "So, after covering 12 separate general elections - including Sir Keir Starmer's victory last year - I am retiring from Sky News - let politicians of every party just rejoice at that news! "Thank you for waking up and tuning in every morning. I can't tell you how much I have appreciated your support over the last three and a half decades: You're awesome. Advertisement "I will post more on my social media and hope to see you around. Please keep in touch." Sky bosses took Kay off air for six months in 2020 after her birthday bash flouted Coronavirus lockdown rules at the time with the anchor apologising for the "error of judgement". 4 Kay retired from Sky News in February Credit: Sky News

Zawya
2 days ago
- Health
- Zawya
Merck Foundation's 7th Edition of First Ladies Initiative Summit Brings Together 14 African and Asian First Ladies to discuss the impact of their programs
Link to Live Stream of Inaugural Session of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative – MFFLI Summit 2025: Merck Foundation ( the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, conducted the 7 th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative - MFFLI Summit 2025 on 19 th and 20 th June in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. 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 and President of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative along with The First Ladies of 14 African and Asian countries, who joined as the Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers. Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of 'Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative' emphasized, 'It is my great honor to welcome our esteemed Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers, The First Ladies of Africa and Asia, and Ambassadors of our 'More Than a Mother' campaign to the 7 th Edition of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative – MFFLI Summit. Through this important platform, we have collectively exchanged valuable experiences and engaged in meaningful discussions on the impact of our programs, which are aimed at transforming patient care and raising awareness of a wide range of critical social and health issues.' Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees added, 'At Merck Foundation, our goal is improving overall health and well-being by building healthcare capacity and by providing access to quality&equitable healthcare solutions in the Africa, Asia and beyond. I would like to sincerely thank our Ambassadors and partners. Together, with your unwavering support and collaboration, we will continue to work towards our vision of a world where everyone can lead a healthy and happy life.' The First Ladies of 14 countries, who are also the Ambassadors of 'Merck Foundation More Than a Mother', joined as Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers. They are: H.E. Dr. ANA DIAS LOURENÇO, The First Lady of the Republic of Angola H.E. Dr. DÉBORA KATISA CARVALHO, The First Lady of the Republic of Cabo Verde H.E. Madam BRIGITTE TOUADERA, The First Lady of the Central African Republic H.E. Madam ZITA OLIGUI NGUEMA, The First Lady of the Gabonese Republic H.E. Mrs. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW, The First Lady of the Republic of The Gambia H.E. Mrs. LORDINA DRAMANI MAHAMA, The First Lady of the Republic of Ghana H.E. Mrs. RACHEL RUTO E.G.H., The First Lady of the Republic of Kenya H.E. Mrs. KARTUMU YARTA BOAKAI, The First Lady of the Republic of Liberia H.E. Mrs. SAJIDHA MOHAMED, The First Lady of the Republic of Maldives H.E. Dr. GUETA SELEMANE CHAPO, The First Lady of the Republic of Mozambique H.E. Senator OLUREMI TINUBU, CON, The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria H.E. Mrs. MARIA DE FATIMA VILA NOVA, The First Lady of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe H.E. Madam MARIE KHONE FAYE, The First Lady of the Republic of Senegal H.E. Amai Dr. AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA, The First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej stated, 'I am proud to share that Merck Foundation has provided more than 2280 scholarships for young doctors from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved specialties. Many of our Merck Foundation Alumni are becoming the first specialists in their countries. Together with our Ambassadors and Partners, we are making history and transforming the patient care landscape across Africa and beyond. Many of them are becoming the first specialists in their countries.' 'During our Conference, we also marked together the World Infertility Awareness Month, observed in June, through our signature campaign 'Merck Foundation More Than a Mother', which aims to empower infertile and childless women by providing access to information, education, and change of mindset. I am happy to share that out of the total 2280 scholarships, more than 700 scholarships have been provided for training in Fertility, Embryology, Sexual and Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Psychiatry, Women's Health, Urology, Laparoscopic Surgical Skills, and Family Medicine, to improve access to fertility care and women's health', she further added. During the 7 th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative -MFFLI Summit, two important occasions were marked; the 8 th Anniversary of Merck Foundation and 13 years of Merck Foundation's development programs that started in 2012. On the first day, the Plenary Session of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative -MFFLI Summit took place, featuring a high-level panel discussion with the participating First Ladies of Africa and Asia. Moreover, a high-level ministerial panel discussion was held with African Ministers and top healthcare experts from across the globe. The Day 2 of the conference will have three key parallel session will be held- Two medical and scientific sessions covering Oncology and Fertility Topics, and a community awareness session, Merck Foundation Health Media Training. This session will emphasize the critical role of the media in influencing communities and driving cultural change, with regards to a wide range of social and health issues like Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girls' Education, Stopping GBV, Ending Child Marriage&FGM, Empowering Women, Diabetes and Hypertension Awareness. The conference is being conducted in a hybrid format, enabling over 6,000 audiences from more than 70 countries to benefit, meet and discuss strategies and solutions for the health and social challenges in their countries safely and effectively. Countries participating in the 7 th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative: Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Canada, Central Africa Republic, Cambodia, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, France, Gabon, Germany, Ghana, Guinea – Bissau, Guinea – Conakry, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tanzania, Thailand, The Gambia, Togo, Tunisia, U.A.E, UK, Uganda, US, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe and more. The 7 th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative is streamed live on the social media handles of Merck Foundation and Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation: @ Merck Foundation: Facebook ( X ( Instagram ( and YouTube ( @ Rasha Kelej: Facebook ( X ( Instagram ( and YouTube ( Link to the Facebook live stream of Inaugural Session of Merck Foundation First Ladies High Level Panel: Merck Foundation is transforming the Patient care landscape and making history together with their partners in Africa, Asia, and beyond, through: • 2280+ Scholarships provided by Merck Foundation for doctors from 52 Countries in more than 44 critical and underserved medical specialties. Merck Foundation is also creating a culture shift and breaking the silence about a wide range of social and health issues in Africa and underserved communities through: • 3700+ Media Persons from more than 35 countries trained to better raise awareness about different social and health issues • 8 Different Awards launched annually for best media coverage, fashion designers, films, and songs • Around 30 songs to address health and social issues, by local singers across Africa • 8 Children's Storybooks in three languages - English, French, and Portuguese • 7 Awareness Animation films in five languages - English, French, Portuguese, Spanish and Swahili to raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes&Hypertension and supporting girl education. • Pan African TV Program "Our Africa by Merck Foundation' addressing Social and Health Issues in Africa through 'Fashion and ART with Purpose' Community • 950+ Scholarships provided to high performing but under-privileged African schoolgirls to empower them to complete their studies • 15 Social Media Channels with more than 8 Million Followers. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation. Contact: Mehak Handa Community Awareness Program Manager +91 9310087613 +91 9319606669 Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard! Facebook: X: YouTube: Instagram: Threads: Flickr: Website: Download Merck Foundation App: About Merck Foundation: The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality&equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare&scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website. Please visit to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook ( X ( Instagram ( YouTube ( Threads ( and Flickr ( The Merck Foundation is dedicated to improving social and health outcomes for communities in need. While it collaborates with various partners, including governments to achieve its humanitarian goals, the foundation remains strictly neutral in political matters. It does not engage in or support any political activities, elections, or regimes, focusing solely on its mission to elevate humanity and enhance well-being while maintaining a strict non-political stance in all of its endeavors.

Zawya
11-06-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Merck Foundation Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and African First Ladies mark World Hypertension Day 2025 by launching their Annual Awards for Best Media, Fashion, Song, and Film to raise awareness on hypertension, diabetes and importance of healthy lifestyle
Merck Foundation ( the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, marks 'World Hypertension Day 2025' in partnership with Africa's First Ladies, Ministries of Health, Medical Societies and Academia through their 'Nationwide Diabetes&Hypertension Blue Points Program, by reinforcing its commitment to improving cardiovascular and diabetes care across Africa, and beyond. Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation stated, 'At Merck Foundation we observe 'World Hypertension Day' by expanding access to quality and equitable care in Hypertension, Diabetes, Endocrinnology and Cardiovascular preventive care, which are all co-related, by providing scholarships for young doctors from across Africa and beyond. 'Together with our Ambassadors, The First Ladies of Africa, and partners like Ministries of Health, Medical Societies and Academia, we have till today provided more than 860 scholarships for young doctors from 52 countries, of One-Year Online PG Diplomas and Two-Year Online Master's Degrees in Diabetes, Preventative Cardiovascular Medicine, Endocrinology, Cardiology, and Obesity&Weight Management, as well as One-Year Clinical Cardiovascular Care and Clinical Diabetes Onsite Fellowship Programs in India, a special 3-month Diabetes Mastercourse in English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish languages. What is special about these scholarships is that they have been provided not only to doctors from capital cities, but also to those from across the country — ensuring wider geographic coverage of healthcare capacity. We remain committed to continuing our efforts to improve healthcare capacity and access to hypertension and diabetes care.' Merck Foundation has in total provided more than 2270 scholarships for doctors from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties. Dr. Dzifa Ahadzi, Merck Foundation alumnus from Ghana shares, 'I have completed my Postgraduate Diploma in Cardiology and currently pursuing MSc in Cardiology. Being a practicing cardiologist, this program has provided me with the opportunity to consolidate my knowledge and apply current advances in cardiovascular care to my clinical practice. Since completing the PG Diploma in Cardiology, I have been involved in establishing a Heart Failure clinic in my hospital that caters to the needs of a diverse population of Heart Failure patients including women with Postpartum cardiomyopathy and Cardio-oncology patients. I am extremely grateful to Merck Foundation for the support and exposure it has provided me. It has inspired me and helped me to improve cardiovascular care amongst the population that I serve.' Merck Foundation scholarships are of great value, given that as per WHO data, the African region has the highest prevalence of hypertension, with approximately 27% of adults affected. Therefore, Merck Foundation has launched several community awareness programs to emphasize on the importance of a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about diabetes and hypertension prevention, early detection and management. Merck Foundation, together with The First Ladies of Africa has launched a storybook and its adapted animation Film 'Mark's Pressure'. 'I believe early education is key to building a healthier community. Through our storybook and animation film ' Mark's Pressure ', we aim to instill healthy habits in children and youth — like reducing salt and sugar, eating well, exercising, and avoiding smoking. I believe that this is the only way to to prevent and manage hypertension and diabetes, which are major risk factors for many serious complications and illnesses.' Watch the 'Mark's Pressure' Animation Film here: Moreover, Merck Foundation's pan African TV program 'Our Africa' conceptualized, produced, directed, and co-hosted by Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation has episodes dedicated to raising awareness about Diabetes and Promoting Healthy Lifestyle. Watch the Episodes here: 'Our Africa' TV Program has been broadcasted on National and Prime TV stations of many African countries like Burundi, Botswana, Ghana, The Gambia, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mauritius, Namibia, Sierra Leone, Uganda, Zambia and is currently on social media handles of Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej [Facebook ( Instagram ( Twitter ( and YouTube ( ] and Merck Foundation [Facebook ( Instagram ( Twitter ( and YouTube ( ]. Additionally, Merck Foundation together with African First Ladies, also launches annually, their Awards for best Media, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers, Musicians/ Singers, and new potential talents in these fields from African countries to Promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension. 1. Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards 2025 'Diabetes&Hypertension': Media representatives are invited to showcase their work through strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension. Submission deadline: 30 th October 2025. 2. Merck Foundation Film Awards 2025 'Diabetes&Hypertension': All African Filmmakers, Students of Film Making Training Institutions, or Young Talents of Africa are invited to create and share a long or short FILMS, either drama, documentary, or docudrama to deliver strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension. Submission deadline: 30 th October 2025. 3. Merck Foundation Fashion Awards 2025 'Diabetes&Hypertension': All African Fashion Students and Designers are invited to create and share designs to deliver strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension. Submission deadline: 30 th October 2025. 4. Merck Foundation Song Awards 2025 'Diabetes&Hypertension': All African Singers and Musical Artists are invited to create and share a SONG with the aim to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension. Submission deadline: 30 th October 2025. Entries for all the awards are to be submitted via email to: submit@ Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation. Contact: Mehak Handa Community Awareness Program Manager Phone: +91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669 Email: Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard: Facebook: X: YouTube: Instagram: Threads: Flickr: Website: Download Merck Foundation App: About Merck Foundation: The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality&equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare&scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website. Please visit to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook ( X ( Instagram ( YouTube ( Threads ( and Flickr ( The Merck Foundation is dedicated to improving social and health outcomes for communities in need. While it collaborates with various partners, including governments to achieve its humanitarian goals, the foundation remains strictly neutral in political matters. It does not engage in or support


Time of India
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Gauri Khan's brother used to threaten Shah Rukh Khan to stay away from his sister with a gun: 'Tereko maloom hai katta kya hota hai?'
Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khan had an interfaith marriage and they fell in love when Gauri was just in the 9th grade. Shah Rukh was in grade 12th that time. As they started liking each other so young, Gauri's brother Vikrant Chibber was very possessive about her and hence used to threaten SRK for looking at his sister. It was a warning to him to not cause harm to Gauri. Shah Rukh had spoken about it once in an interview with Kapil Sharma and revealed that he used to also threaten him with a gun. "Wo apne aap ko school ka bada dada samjhte the. Wo jab milta tha gundagardi dikhate the. Mai unse tameez se milta tha. Ek baar usne mujhe bola tereko maloom hai katta kya hota hai? Maine kaha nahi ji mujhe nahi maloom katta kya hota hai, mujhe maloom tha.' SRK revealed that he was always polite to him, considering he was Gauri's brother. Meanwhile, Gauri had revealed that her parents were initially against their interfaith wedding but later, they were convinced by Shah Rukh Khan. She had also changed his name to Abhinav during their dating phase so that they think he's a Hindu. Gauri said, "We were so young and then to take a decision to get married and to a person who is going to join films, and being from a different religion. We changed his name to Abhinav so they feel he is a Hindu boy but that was really silly and very childish," she told Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla on their show First Ladies. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .