Merck Foundation, in partnership with African and Asian First Ladies, has launched a new children’s storybook and animated film titled Ray of Hope, to boost cancer awareness.
The initiative was unveiled by Merck Foundation Chairman and CEO, Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, alongside the First Ladies of Burundi, Central African Republic, The Gambia, Liberia, Nigeria, São Tomé & Príncipe, and Senegal.
Speaking at the launch, Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej said the initiative reflects Merck Foundation’s long-term commitment to cancer care capacity building in Africa. She emphasized that while childhood cancer presents an immense emotional and medical challenge, early detection and timely treatment significantly improve survival rates, with many pediatric cancers being treatable.
Ray of Hope tells the story of a young girl named Hope, who confronts cancer with courage and resilience, while highlighting the life-saving importance of early diagnosis and access to trained cancer care professionals. Through storytelling and animation, the initiative seeks to educate children, families, and communities on recognizing early warning signs of cancer and the value of timely treatment.
To address gaps in cancer care, Merck Foundation has made oncology training a central pillar of its strategy. Under its Cancer Access Program, the Foundation has awarded 243 scholarships to healthcare providers from 35 countries, supporting one-year clinical training across multiple oncology sub-specialties. These include medical, surgical, pediatric, gynecologic, breast, hematologic, orthopedic, and radiation oncology, as well as palliative care, oncology nursing, pathology, interventional radiology, laboratory technology, and research.
In addition, Merck Foundation offers postgraduate diplomas and master’s degrees in cancer and clinical oncology, medical oncology, and pain management through leading UK institutions such as the University of South Wales, Queen Mary University of London, the University of Buckingham, and Cardiff University.
Dr. Kelej noted that the Foundation is helping establish multidisciplinary oncology care teams across Africa, in some cases training the first-ever oncologists in participating countries. To date, Merck Foundation has provided more than 2,500 scholarships to doctors from 52 countries across 44 critical and underserved medical specialties.
Cancer remains a major public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa and is among the leading causes of premature death. According to Dr. Kelej, nearly two-thirds of cancer cases can be successfully treated if diagnosed early, while up to one-third can be prevented by reducing risk factors such as certain infections, radiation exposure, and lifestyle-related causes.
The Ray of Hope storybook and animation film are available on Merck Foundation’s website and social media platforms and will soon be distributed in partner countries. Each printed edition will feature a special message from Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej and the respective African or Asian First Lady, and will be published in English, French, and Portuguese for wider accessibility.
This latest release builds on Merck Foundation’s growing library of educational storybooks and animated films addressing health and social issues, including More Than a Mother (infertility stigma), Jackline’s Rescue (girls’ education and child marriage), Educating Linda and Ride into the Future (girls’ empowerment), Not Who You Are (ending domestic violence), Sugar Free Jude (diabetes awareness), and Mark’s Pressure (hypertension awareness).
Through education-driven storytelling, Merck Foundation continues to use innovative, culturally sensitive approaches to build healthier, more informed, and more compassionate societies.
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