Latest news with #Diabetes
The Independent
5 days ago
- Health
- The Independent
Hidden health benefits from weight-loss jabs revealed
Weight loss injections, including popular drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro, may offer a protective shield against serious conditions such as dementia and stroke, a new study has indicated. The research also suggests that individuals with type 2 diabetes and obesity who are prescribed these medications could face a reduced risk of premature death. Academics behind the study noted that while the efficacy of GLP agonist drugs – such as semaglutide (found in Wegovy and Ozempic) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro) – in managing weight and blood sugar levels is widely recognised, their wider health benefits have remained less understood. The comprehensive study, conducted by experts in Taiwan, examined data from 60,000 people worldwide, with an average age of 58, all diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and obesity. Roughly half of the participants were given GLP agonist drugs. These medications function by curbing appetite, slowing digestion, reducing the liver's sugar output, and enhancing the body's insulin production when required. The other half used other anti-diabetic medication. During a seven-year follow-up period, researchers found that people given the GLP agonist drugs appeared to have a 37 per cent lower risk of dementia and a 19 per cent reduced risk of stroke. They were also 30 per cent less likely to die during the follow-up period. When researchers looked at the data further, they found even greater benefits in people aged 60 or older, women, and those with a body mass index score of 30 to 40. They found no differences in Parkinson's disease or brain bleeds. The academics said their findings suggest 'potential neuroprotective and cerebrovascular benefits' of the drugs but they called for more studies to confirm the findings. 'These findings suggest that semaglutide and tirzepatide may offer neuroprotective and cerebrovascular benefits beyond glycemic control, potentially improving long-term cognitive and survival outcomes in adults with type 2 diabetes and obesity,' they wrote in the journal JAMA Network Open. Commenting on the study, Professor Tara Spires-Jones, director of the Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences at the University of Edinburgh and group leader in the UK Dementia Research Institute, said: 'This is a very interesting study adding to evidence that GLP1 receptor agonists are associated with a lower risk of dementia in people with type 2 diabetes and obesity. 'This type of study cannot determine whether the drugs reduced disease risk by directly protecting the brain. 'It is highly likely that effectively treating type 2 diabetes and obesity would reduce dementia and stroke risk as they are known risk factors for these conditions. 'Further work is needed including randomised clinical trials to confirm these drugs are protective in people with diabetes and obesity and other trials are needed to determine whether these drugs will be protective in people who do not have type 2 diabetes and obesity.'
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Cardiologist warns 'your blood tests don't tell the full story'; suggests 1 test that catches insulin resistance early
Often, when we have to determine whether we are at risk of diabetes or if our blood sugar levels are normal, doctors suggest that we get a blood sugar test done. But, according to Dr Alok Chopra, MBBS and MD (cardiology), your blood sugar test isn't telling the full story. Your blood sugar might be 'normal' — but is your insulin? It's time to look deeper. (Image by Freepik) Also Read | Cardiologist says strength training is 'an easy shortcut to ageing in reverse': Strong muscles protect heart, brain In an Instagram post shared on July 7, the cardiologist warned that blood sugar levels can stay 'normal' while your insulin is already out of control, and silently cause damage. He wrote, 'Your blood sugar might be 'normal' — but is your insulin? It's time to look deeper. Prevention starts now.' Here's what he suggested one should you do instead: How to know if you have insulin resistance The cardiologist suggested getting a 'comprehensive insulin response test' done, instead of a general blood sugar test. The insulin response test tells you how your body really responds to sugar. 'It detects insulin resistance years before your blood sugar does,' Dr Chopra stressed. What happens when you catch insulin issues early? According to the cardiologist, you can prevent: Brain fog Energy crashes after meals Stubborn belly fat Burnout Type 2 Diabetes PCOS-related symptoms In what situations should you get the insulin response test done? Per the doctor: 'Ask your doctor about an insulin response test if you feel tired after eating, have PCOS, a hormonal imbalance or have diabetes in your family.' How to understand insulin health For understanding your insulin health, Dr Chopra suggested that you need to check these markers: Fasting Insulin: 2-5 µIU/mL Post-meal Insulin (1-2 hrs): < 30 µIU/mL C-Peptide: 0.5-2.0 ng/mL (fasting) 'C-peptide tells us how much insulin your body is producing and whether it's compensating for resistance. Most people never test C-peptide, but it's one of the most accurate ways to understand if your pancreas is overworking to make insulin. When paired with fasting insulin, it paints a clear picture of your metabolic health, long before blood sugar goes up,' the cardiologist explained. Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Medical News Today
12-07-2025
- Health
- Medical News Today
Why do some people have better weight loss results with Ozempic or Wegovy?
Research on weight loss medications, particularly glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs), and why people experience varying results is study helped identify multiple components that may affect successful weight loss among people using researchers found that taking the medication for longer and starting on semaglutide rather than other GLP-1RA options produced more successful weight loss results.A popular group of weight loss medications is glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs), which include the likes of Ozempic and Wegovy — medications that are used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity.A study recently published in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism explored weight fluctuations among participants after taking GLP-1RAs. The results suggest that factors like taking GLP-1RAs longer, having greater accumulated exposure to GLP-1RAs, using semaglutide, and not having diabetes may make it more likely for some people to experience successful weight loss from GLP-1RA impacts the effectiveness of GLP-1RAs?This research involved a total of 679 participants and was a retrospective cohort study. All participants were overweight or obese, and this was determined by body mass index (BMI). Some participants also had type 2 diabetes. All participants had at least three months' worth of follow-up and at least three noted weight measurements during the had data from participants' follow-up visits, including factors like body composition and measurements of liver and kidney function. Their data looked at treatment with seven different GLP-1RAs, including semaglutide, lixisenatide, and examined weight fluctuation among participants and divided participants into three groups: successfully losing weight, staying the same weight, or regaining weight. In their analyses, they then further classified participants as having successful or unsuccessful weight reduction. The unsuccessful category included both weight regain and staying the same did their analyses at three months, six months, and then at one year. The average age of participants was thirty-seven years old, and about 21% of participants had who had been on GLP-1RAs for longer were more likely to experience successful weight reduction at six and twelve months. At the three and six-month marks, participants who experienced successful weight reduction were also less likely to have diabetes and more likely to start their treatment on the three-month follow-up, participants in the weight regain group also had higher estimated glomerular filtration rates, which measures kidney function. This was also true when looking at just participants with prediabetes. The authors note that people with obesity can experience these higher filtration rates, which can then lead to worse kidney also observed that the group that remained stable had higher fasting plasma glucose levels than the other groups and worse beta cell function and insulin resistance than participants who successfully lost do some people lose more weight on GLP-1s?In their univariate logistic regression analysis, the researchers identified several factors that may be related to successful weight loss. These included longer time on GLP-1RA treatment, semaglutide use, lower blood sugar levels, and a higher percentage of body fat. They also observed that greater Homeostasis Model Assessment of β-Cell Function levels, which helps to measure beta cell function in the pancreas and insulin resistance, was associated with successful declines in weight. For women, having a lower skeletal muscle mass was also associated with successful weight adjusting for age, sex, and BMI, the researchers found that the longer people used GLP-1RAs, the more they lost weight successfully at all the follow-up time points. At three and six months, starting semaglutide, compared to other GLP-1RAs, was linked to successful weight men, having a body fat percentage greater than 30% was associated with successful weight reduction at three months, but this was not the case for women. At three months, not having diabetes and hemoglobin A1C levels were linked to successful weight addition to these factors, researchers also observed some non-linear associations. For example, some measurements of muscle mass and basal metabolic rate had a reversed J-shaped association with successful weight analyses also revealed that higher accumulated exposure of semaglutide or liraglutide were both associated with successful weight reduction. At three months, liraglutide and semaglutide users with successful weight reduction had higher fasting plasma glucose levels. For men on semaglutide, having a greater percentage of body fat was associated with successful weight loss at a six-month follow-up. Study limitationsThis study does have benefits and potential limitations. Paunel Vukasinov, MD, a dual board-certified Internist and Obesity Medicine Specialist with Medical Offices of Manhattan and contributor to who was not involved in the research, noted the following to Medical News Today:'This study offers helpful information about the differences in weight loss results for patients treated with GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs). Clinical trials have shown that GLP-1RAs work well, but this study points out the varied responses in everyday clinical settings. It also tries to find the reasons behind this variability.''However, the lack of randomization, possible confounding factors, and the single-center design do weaken the conclusions. Still, it addresses an important clinical question: why do some patients do well on GLP-1RAs while others stop losing weight or regain it? It encourages us to move toward more personalized obesity care.'— Paunel Vukasinov, MDThis study was conducted among Chinese participants receiving treatment at a single weight loss clinic. Data from other countries may be helpful in future note that only 112 participants had a follow-up assessment at the one-year mark. They also note there was a lack of record for some possible confounding factors and that they weren't able to assess how lifestyle interventions throughout the follow-up could have affected outcomes. Another limiting factor was that 'longitudinal data for body composition was not systematically collected and analyzed at the follow-ups.'Does stopping medication affect results?Treatment discontinuation did happen, which meant differences in medication looking specifically at the use of semaglutide and liraglutide in the subgroup analyses, researchers only analyzed the data from the three-month and six-month follow-ups. They were also only able to look at accumulated exposure for two types of without type 2 diabetes had more limited access to GLP-1RAs, and this could have influenced the study's results. One author also noted conflicts of Raines, DO, an osteopathic physician specializing in family medicine and American Osteopathic Association member, who was also not involved in the study, noted the following limits of this study to Medical News Today:'It's important to note the limitations, namely, the small sample size and the even smaller number of participants who continued through the full 12-month follow-up period…This paper does not explore the effects of discontinuation, a crucial aspect given evidence showing significant weight regain in many individuals once GLP-1RAs are stopped, even with continued lifestyle modifications. Nor does it include tirzepatide, which, while not solely a GLP-1RA, currently shows even more promising data for weight loss than semaglutide in existing trials.'More research is required to examine some of the components of the study, such as the differences in weight loss for people with diabetes compared to those without diabetes. More research on how kidney function plays into everything may also be loss may need a personalized approachThe authors of this study suggest that data from this study could help make the use of GLP-1RAs more might help improve the success related to these medications. Kais Rona, MD, a bariatric surgeon of MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA, who was also not involved in the study, noted the following:'Ultimately, this study supports a personalized approach to the use of GLP-1RA medications. One that identifies important physiologic markers prior to the initiation of the treatment regimen, monitors patient response over time, and focuses on long-term success.'The research also highlights the importance of careful clinical oversight when people use GLP-1RAs. 'Many patients are currently receiving these medications from providers outside their primary care home, often without comprehensive management or long-term planning. This raises concerns about suboptimal outcomes and unintended side effects…What we now need are more long-term studies, particularly focused on sustained outcomes, strategies for maintenance after discontinuation, and optimizing individualized care,' Raines said.
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Walking vs Yoga – Which is better for getting Blood Sugar in control
For those with Diabetes or even Prediabetes, getting Blood Sugar in control is the first and most crucial step to a healthy life. Since Diabetes is a chronic condition, it affects each and every organ of your body including heart, kidneys and even your eyesight. Even though medications can help, changing your lifestyle too, can drastically help to keep Blood Pressure in control. And when we talk about exercise, Yoga and Walking are two activities that are often talked about. However, which one is better for getting Blood Sugar in control? We find out... Benefits of walking Walking is a simple form of aerobic exercise that almost anyone can do. It increases your heart rate and helps your muscles use glucose (sugar) from the blood for energy. This process improves insulin sensitivity, meaning your body can better use insulin to lower blood sugar levels. Post meals, walking can be especially effective in reducing blood sugar spikes. It helps burn calories and supports weight management, which is important for people with diabetes. Walking is low-impact, so it's gentle on joints and easy to fit into a daily routine, without the hassle of gym machines etc. Studies show that walking can lower fasting blood glucose (the sugar level after fasting) and HbA1c (a measure of average blood sugar over a few months), helping reduce the risk of complications from diabetes. Benefits of Yoga Yoga is more than just a mental stress buster. It combines gentle exercise with breathing techniques and stress reduction practices. Over the long-term, stress can raise blood sugar levels by releasing hormones like cortisol, which make the body less sensitive to insulin. How does Yoga help Yoga improves insulin sensitivity and may help the pancreas work better. It lowers fasting blood sugar and HbA1c Yoga helps one relax and stay stress free, that automatically brings down Blood Sugar levels. It also improves flexibility, balance, and overall well-being. Research shows that yoga can reduce fasting blood glucose more than walking, and it also lowers insulin resistance, which is a key factor in type 2 diabetes. What does research say According to various research: Both yoga and walking significantly reduce fasting blood sugar and HbA1c. Yoga showed a greater reduction in fasting blood glucose (about 12 mg/dL more than walking). Yoga also lowered fasting insulin levels and insulin resistance better than walking. According to research, Yoga's combined benefits of exercise, breathing, and stress relief make it slightly more powerful for blood sugar control. Which one should you choose Both walking and yoga are excellent for managing blood sugar, but what your pick depends on what suits you more, or what you enjoy the most Choose walking if: You want a simple, easy-to-start exercise, without the need for a trainer You have a good outdoor space where you can walk You want to improve cardiovascular fitness and lose weight. You have limited flexibility or mobility issues, due to health reasons Choose yoga if: You want to reduce stress and improve mental well-being alongside physical health. You prefer a low-impact exercise that also improves flexibility and balance. You want to work on breathing techniques that support relaxation. You are looking for a holistic approach to managing diabetes, along with other conditions Can You Combine Walking and Yoga The best approach may be to combine both. Walking and yoga together are great since: Walking helps muscles use glucose and burns calories. Yoga reduces stress hormones that raise blood sugar. Together, they improve overall metabolic health and quality of life. Experts recommend including both aerobic exercises like walking and mind-body practices like yoga in your routine for maximum benefit. References: PMC, 2023: Systematic review comparing yoga and walking effects on glycemic control ASEAN Endocrine Journal, 2023: Meta-analysis on yoga and walking for diabetes management
Zawya
08-07-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej congratulates the Winners of Merck Foundation Media Awards- 125 Winners from 36 Countries announced
Merck Foundation CEO announced call for application of 2025 Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards in partnership with African First Ladies - apply now at submit@ Merck Foundation ( the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, in partnership with the First Ladies of Africa, proudly announced the Winners of their Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition Awards 2024 under the categories 'More Than a Mother' and 'Diabetes and Hypertension'. The Awards Ceremony was conducted virtually to honor and celebrate the outstanding contributions of all the winning media professionals. The winners were warmly acknowledged by Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of the 'More Than a Mother' campaign. Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej expressed, 'I am truly happy to announce the winners of our Media Awards, together with my dear sisters, The First Ladies of Africa, who are also the Ambassadors of the Merck Foundation 'More Than a Mother' Campaign. This year, we are delighted to celebrate 125 outstanding winners from 36 countries. It brings me joy to see such impressive participation not only from across Africa but also from several Asian and Latin American countries. Congratulations to all our incredible winners! It is a true pleasure to welcome you all as Merck Foundation Alumni. Let's continue to work together to raise awareness about critical social and health challenges, be the voice of the voiceless, and create culture shift in our communities.' Merck Foundation Media Awards launched in 2017, are announced annually, with over 640 Winners from 52 countries celebrated to date. The theme of the 'More Than a Mother' Media Awards is to raise awareness about important social issues like: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending Female Genital Mutilation and/or Stopping Gender-Based Violence. The theme of the 'Diabetes and Hypertension' Media Awards is to Promote a Healthy Lifestyle and raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension. The Merck Foundation CEO also launched the Call for Applications for the 2025 Media Awards. 'I am pleased to invite entries for the Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards 2025 – 'More Than a Mother'&'Diabetes and Hypertension', in partnership with the African First Ladies. I look forward to receiving another outstanding round of impactful entries this year as well.' Said Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej. Winners of Merck Foundation "More Than a Mother" Media Recognition Awards 2024 Here are the winners from West African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of the Republic of The Gambia, H.E. Mrs. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW; and The First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, H.E. Dr. FATIMA MAADA BIO: PRINT CATEGORY WINNER Jennifer Ambolley, The Chronicle, Ghana (First Position) Mackie Muctarr Jalloh, News Times Daily, Sierra Leone (Second position) Alao Abiodun, The Nation, Nigeria (Second position) ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS Dzifa Tetteh Tay, The Spectator, Ghana (First Position) Laudia Sawer, Ghana News Agency, Ghana (First Position) Nyima Sillah, The Voice, The Gambia (Second Position) Isatou Ceesay, The Gambia Point, The Gambia (Third Position) Abigail Arthur, Citi Newsroom, Ghana (Third Position) Odimegwu Onwumere, The Nigerian Voice, Nigeria (Third Position) RADIO CATEGORY WINNER Mavis Offei Acheampong, GBC Radio, Ghana (First Position) Joyce Kantam Kolamong, GBC Radio, Ghana (Second Position) Zainab Sunkary Koroma, Star Radio, Sierra Leone (Third Position) MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNERS Tolulope Adeleru-Balogun, News Central TV, Nigeria (First Position) Alieu Ceesay, QTV, The Gambia (Second Position) Mona Lisa Frimpong, Joy News, Ghana (Third Position) Here are the Winners from Southern African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of the Republic of Malawi, H.E. Mrs. MONICA CHAKWERA; The First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe, H.E. Amai Dr. AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA: PRINT CATEGORY WINNERS Precious Kumbani, The Nation, Malawi (First Position) Gresham Ngwira, Freelancer, Malawi (Second Position) Simon Muntemba, Daily Nation, Zambia (Second Position) Charlotte Nambadja, The Namibian, Namibia (Third Position) Silence Mugadzaweta, The Standard, Zimbabwe (Third Position) ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS Alain Kabinda, Daily News Agency, Zambia (First Position) Catherine Murombedzi, Freelancer, Zimbabwe (First Position) Alick Ponje, The Times, Malawi (second Position) Wallace Mawire, Pan African Visions, Zimbabwe (Second Position) Hamu Madzedze, 365 Health Diaries, Zimbabwe (Third Position) Kundai Michael Magoronga, Chronicle, Zimbabwe (Third Position) Mlondi Mkhize, Briefly News, South Africa (Third Position) RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS Glendah Fadzai Takachicha, Capitalk FM, Zimbabwe (First Position) Tina Nyirenda, Smooth FM, Zambia (Second Position) Sylviah Chisi, Trans World Radio, Malawi (Second Position) Nyasha Mandimutsira, Capitalk FM, Zimbabwe (Third Position) Perina N. Wahara, PL FM, Malawi (Third Position) MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNERS Keneilwe Pono, YTV, Botswana (First Position) Taati Niilenge, The Namibian, Namibia (Second Position) Lame Lucas, YTV, Botswana (Third Position) Here are the winners from East African Countries: PRINT CATEGORY WINNERS Elizabeth Angira, People Daily, Kenya (First Position) Marco Maduhu, Nipashe, Tanzania (Second Position) Margaret Maina, Nation Media, Kenya (Second Position) Beatrice Philemon Mukocho, The Guardian, Tanzania (Third Position) Vitus Audax, The Guardian, Tanzania (Third Position) ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS Kamau Maichuhie, Nation Online, Kenya (First Position) Isabella Maua Chemosit, Freelancer, Kenya (Second Position) Anne Robi, Daily News, Tanzania (Second Position) Nteza Michael, UG Standard, Uganda (Third Position) Benjamin Takpiny, Anadolu Agency, South Sudan (Third Position) Ayele Addis Ambelu, Ethiopian Mass Media Action News, Ethiopia (Third Position) RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS Caren Waraba Sisya, Radio Citizen, Kenya (First Position) Mamer Abraham Kuot, Voice of America, South Sudan, (Second Position) Mwanaisha Makumbuli, Highlands FM, Tanzania (Second Position) Fatuma Mustapha Mtemangani, Pambazuko FM, Tanzania (Third Position) Daniel Byiringiro, Flash FM, Rwanda (Third Position) MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNER Rose Wangui, NTV Kenya, Kenya (First Position) Andrew Juma, TV47, Kenya (Second Position) Leonard Kigozi and Isabel Nakirya, CGTN Africa, Uganda (Third Position) Mackriner Siyovelwa, Crown Media, Tanzania (Third Position) Here are the winners from French Speaking African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of the Republic of Burundi, H.E. Madam ANGELINE NDAYISHIMIYE; The First Lady of Democratic Republic of the Congo, H.E. Madam DENISE NYAKERU TSHISEKEDI: PRINT CATEGORY WINNER Issa Moussa, Niger Times, Niger (First Position) Koami Agbetiafa, Niger Inter Press Group, Niger (Second Position) ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS AZODODASSI Mêmèdé Ambroisine, Savoir News, Togo (First Position) Julio Gada, Global News, Benin (Second Position) Boris Esono Nwenfor, Pan African Visions, Cameroon (Third Position) Bakari Guèye, Initiatives News, Mauritania (Third Position) Frimo Koukou Djipro, Lelus, Côte d'Ivoire (Third Position) RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS Remy RUKUNDO, Radio TV Buntu, Burundi (First Position) Magnus MFURANZIMA, ISÔKO FM, Burundi (First Position) Mame Mbagnick DIOUF, Radio Oxyjeunes, Senegal (Second Position) Tanko Worou, Radio SU TII DERA, Benin (Second Position) Moussa KONE, Radio Channel 2, Mali (Third Position) MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNERS Matthias KABUYA TSHILUMBA, RTDK, DRC (First Position) Here are the winners from Portuguese Speaking African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of the Republic of Cabo Verde, H.E. Dr. DÉBORA KATISA CARVALHO: ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS Edisângela Tavares, Expresso das Ilhas, Cabo Verde (First Position) Sheilla Ribeiro, Sociedade, Cabo Verde (Second Position) RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS Teresa Monteiro Pinto, Rádio Televisão de Cabo Verde, Cabo Verde (First Position) MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNERS ngelo Semedo, Deutsche Welle, Cabo Verde (First Position) Merck Foundation "Diabetes&Hypertension" Media Recognition Awards 2024 Here are the winners from West African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of the Republic of The Gambia, H.E. Mrs. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW; and The First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, H.E. Dr. FATIMA MAADA BIO: PRINT CATEGORY WINNER Agnes Opoku Saprong, Ghanaian Times, Ghana (First Position) Patience Ivie Ihejirika, Leadership Newspaper, Nigeria (Second Position) ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS Muhammed Lamin Touray, Freelancer, The Gambia (First Position) Prince Owusu Asiedu, Adom Online, Ghana (Second Position) Lara Adejoro, The Punch, Nigeria (Third Position) RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS Godwin Awuni Anafo, Odadee Radio, Ghana (First Position) MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNER Emmanuel Dzivenu Seyram Abla De-Souza, Joy TV, Ghana (First Position) Ezedimbu Karen Ogomegbunem, Africa Independent Television, Nigeria, (Second Position) Lois Abba Sambo, Abuja Broadcasting Corporation, Nigeria (Third Position) Akua Oforiwa Darko, TV3, Ghana (Third Position) Here are the Winners from Southern African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of the Republic of Malawi, H.E. Mrs. MONICA CHAKWERA; The First Lady of the Republic of Zambia, H.E. Mrs. MUTINTA HICHILEMA; The First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe, H.E. Amai Dr. AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA: PRINT CATEGORY WINNER Nancy Kefilwe Ramokhua, The Patriot, Botswana (First Position) Matilda Chimwaza Majawa, Times Group, Malawi (Second Position) ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS June Shimuoshili, Unwrap Online, Namibia (First Position) Tendai Chisiri, Sport Way News Net, Zimbabwe (Second Position) Shireen van Wyk, Shay Blogger, Namibia (Third Position) Prince Kurupati, Pan African Visions, Zimbabwe (Third Position) RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS Elvis Howahowa, Times Radio, Malawi (First Position) Stella Mlotha, Trans World Radio, Malawi (Second Position) Here are the winners from East African Countries: PRINT CATEGORY WINNER Lucy Johnbosco, Mwananchi, Tanzania (First Position) Christina Mwakangale, Nipashe, Tanzania (Second Position) ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS Joan Mbabazi, The New Times, Rwanda (First Position) Leon Lidigu, Nation Online, Kenya (Second Position) Namwalo Daniel Absalom, Kenya News Agency, Kenya (Third Position) Angela Kezengwa, Citizen Digital, Kenya (Third Position) Veronica Mrema, M24 Tanzania, Tanzania (Third Position) RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS Kintu Khalid, Radio Simba, Uganda (First Position) Asha Bekidusa, Bahari FM, Kenya (Second Position) MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNER Walter Mwesigye, NTV, Uganda (First Position) Edvesta Tarimo, Tumaini Media, Tanzania (Second Position) Here are the winners from French Speaking African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of the Republic of Burundi, H.E. Madam ANGELINE NDAYISHIMIYE; and The First Lady of Democratic Republic of the Congo, H.E. Madam DENISE NYAKERU TSHISEKEDI: PRINT CATEGORY WINNERS Konan N'Guessan Attoumgbre Joseph, La Retraite Active, Côte d'Ivoire (First Position) Nkurunziza Moise, Le Renouveau, Burundi (Second Position) ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS Bahwa Ferdinand, Le Journal Africa, Burundi (First Position) Abdoulaye Ouédraogo, Queen Mafa, Burkina Faso (Second Position) Richard Manirakiza, l'Agence Burundaise de Presse, Burundi (Second Position) Mapote Gaye, Infomedia27, Senegal (Second Position) Atha Menssan Woffa Assan, Focus Infos, Togo (Third Position) Catherine Aimée Biloa, Échos Santé, Cameroon (Third Position) Nadège Omoladé SANNY, SRTB Online, Benin (Third Position) RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS MVUYEKURE Jean Claude, Radio TV Buntu, Burundi (First Position) Abdoul Razak Sani Oumarou, Radio Saraounia Maradi, Niger (Second Position) Kabamba Ngalamulume Fabrice, Radio Télévision de l'éducation (RTEDUC), DRC (Third Position) MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNER Chris IRAMBONA, Radio Television Buntu, Burundi (First Position) Here are the winners from ASIAN Countries: PRINT CATEGORY WINNER Parikshit Nirbhay, Amar Ujala, India (First Position) Revathi Murugappan, Star Health, Malaysia (Second Position) Pooja Biraia, The Week, India (Third Position) ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS Rashe Zoe Sophia B Piquero, Cebu Daily News, Philippines (First Position) Roshan Bhandari, Medicoliterature, Nepal (Second Position) Crystal Chow, Undark Magazine, China (Third Position) Here are the winners from LATIN AMERICA Countries: ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS Adriana Becerra, Agencia Brunch, Mexico (First Position) Rafaela Polo, UOL, Brazil (Second Position) MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNER Roxana Fabiola Lopresti, Channel 9 Televida, Argentina (First Position) Ana Paula Pedrosa, R7, Brazil (Second Position) Details of Merck Foundation Media Awards 2025: 1. Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition 'More Than a Mother' Awards 2025 Theme for the awards: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/or Stopping GBV at all levels. Who can apply: Journalists from Print, Radio, Online, and Multimedia platforms from the following groups: Southern African Countries West African Countries East African Countries French Speaking African Countries Portuguese Speaking African Countries Submission deadline: 30th September 2025. 2. Merck Foundation Media Recognition 'Diabetes&Hypertension' Awards 2025 Theme for the awards: Promoting a healthy lifestyle and raising awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension. Who can apply: Journalists from Print, Radio, Online, and Multimedia platforms from the following groups: Southern African Countries West African Countries East African Countries French Speaking African Countries Portuguese Speaking African Countries Latin American Countries Asian Countries Submission deadline: 30th October 2025. All entries are to be submitted 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 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.
