Jennifer Ambolley, a journalist with the Chronicle Newspaper has been awarded the prestigious first prize in the Merck Foundation award for the "Diabetes and Hypertension" category for the year 2023.

This recognition highlights her exceptional dedication and commitment to raising awareness about two critical health issues that affect millions of people worldwide.

Through insightful reporting and in-depth analysis, Madam Jennifer has shed light on the challenges faced by individuals living with diabetes and hypertension, as well as the latest advancements in treatment and management.

Madam Jennifer triumphed in the competitive print category for English-speaking West African countries, which also honoured over 50 other exceptional winners hailing from more than 20 nations, including Nigeria, Togo, Angola, Burundi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Namibia.

The announcement came to light during a virtual award ceremony convened by the Merck Foundation on Friday, April 19, 2024.


The Merck Foundation award is known for honoring individuals who have made significant contributions to healthcare journalism, and Jennifer's win is a testament to her outstanding work in the field.

Upon receiving the award, Madam Jennifer expressed gratitude for the recognition and emphasized the importance of continuing to educate the public about these prevalent health conditions.

"I am truly honored to receive this award from the Merck Foundation," she said. "I believe that through journalism, we can make a real difference in the lives of those affected by diabetes and hypertension."

Dr. Senator Rasha Kelej, CEO of the Merck Foundation, underscored the unwavering commitment to excellence in the selection process, emphasising the rigorous evaluation of each submission to ensure commendable standards.

Dr. Kelej commended the winners for their outstanding contributions and urged them to persist in their efforts toward advancing the empowerment of women and girls, not only within their national borders but across Africa and beyond.

"We are immensely proud of you. Your comprehensive coverage of issues affecting girls and women, including infertility stigma, harmful cultural practices, and the promotion of girl child education, among others, is commendable," stated the Merck Foundation CEO.

She encouraged the awardees to leverage the recognition as a catalyst for further advocacy and action, emphasising the importance of ongoing efforts to address gender-related challenges.

The formal award ceremony is scheduled to take place in Ghana at a later date, in collaboration with the First Lady, Rebecca Akufo-Addo, where recipients will be presented with plaques, medals, and certificates.

The Merck Foundation operates as an international organisation dedicated to advancing women's causes across Africa, championing various advocacy campaigns and initiatives.