The Merck Foundation has officially opened applications for its 2026 medical scholarship program, offering healthcare professionals across Africa and Asia an opportunity to receive specialised medical training and help bridge critical healthcare gaps.
The announcement was made during the commemoration of World Health Day 2026, in partnership with African and Asian First Ladies, who serve as ambassadors for the Merck Foundation’s “More Than a Mother” campaign.
According to the Foundation, the scholarships are aimed at strengthening healthcare systems in underserved communities by training doctors and healthcare providers in 44 critical and underserved medical specialities. These include fertility, oncology, diabetes, endocrinology, cardiovascular care, respiratory medicine, intensive care, and several other specialised fields.
Building Africa’s Healthcare Workforce
Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of the Foundation, said the initiative continues to transform patient care and improve access to equitable healthcare solutions across Africa, Asia, and beyond.
“We have provided more than 2,600 scholarships for young healthcare providers from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialities,” she said.
Dr. Kelej explained that many scholarship beneficiaries have become the first specialists in their countries in areas where medical expertise was previously unavailable. Countries benefiting from the initiative include Namibia, Liberia, The Gambia, Burundi, Malawi, Sierra Leone, Zambia, Guinea, Ethiopia, Congo, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Zimbabwe.
“This is truly history in the making, and we are proud to be part of Africa’s legacy by empowering a new generation of healthcare specialists who will serve generations to come,” Dr. Kelej added.
Addressing Africa’s Healthcare Gap
The Foundation highlighted the severe shortage of healthcare workers across Africa, citing a 2021 World Health Organisation report showing that Africa carries 24% of the world’s disease burden while having only 2.9 healthcare workers per 1,000 people.
The shortage continues to affect access to quality healthcare services, especially in rural and underserved communities where specialised medical care remains limited.
Through its scholarship and healthcare capacity-building programs, the Foundation aims to close these gaps by equipping healthcare professionals with advanced skills in disease prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and patient care.
Partnership With First Ladies and Governments
The Foundation works closely with African and Asian First Ladies, Ministries of Health, academic institutions, medical societies, and research organisations to identify healthcare gaps and select qualified candidates for training.
Scholarship selection is based on recommendations from First Lady offices, Ministries of Health, and medical societies, to address urgent healthcare workforce shortages within public healthcare systems.
Empowering Women and Youth in STEM
Beyond healthcare, the Foundation also supports women and youth in science and technology through its STEM initiatives and the annual Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit.
The awards recognise outstanding African women researchers and young scientists while promoting research excellence and innovation across the continent.
Dr. Kelej noted that the Foundation’s initiatives align with the World Health Day 2026 theme, “Together for health. Stand with science.”
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