Merck, a leading science and technology company, has expanded its “Best Student Award” program to the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and Central University College.
For the past three years, the company has selected three students from the University of Ghana’s School of Pharmacy to participate in a month-long internship at its headquarters in Germany.
The students receive practical training in pharmaceutical and life sciences before specializing in their respective fields during the internship.
Member of the Executive Board of Dr. Kai Beckmann said “the program is part of Merck’s commitment to supporting healthy families, healthy communities and healthy economies in Ghana” where it opened an office in 2014.
This year’s Best Student Award recipients from the University of Ghana – Adomah Opoku-Achaempong, Yvonne Darko and Emelia Priscilla Imbeah – completed their internship in July.
Mr. Beckmann was optimistic these students will help in making the next generation a better one.
He said “these exemplary students represent our next-generation employees, partners and customers on the continent.”
He was optimistic Merck will keep increasing the number of beneficiary institutions and students as time goes on.
Beneficiary students who spoke to Citi News expressed their gratitude to the organisers as well as their host families in Germany.
Adomah Opoku-Achaempong one of the beneficiaries said “this opportunity was a great one for which I am highly grateful.”
Advancing sustainable health solutions
Merck also announced the availability of a new online tool for assessing diabetes risk.
Individuals can utilize the Merck Diabetes Online Risk Assessment (Merck DORA) at www.diabetes.merck-africa.com.
The company hopes this program, which is also rolling out in Kenya, will increase awareness of the disease and referrals to local healthcare professionals in Ghana.
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Magdalene Teiko Larnyoh/citifmonline.com/Ghana