The Merck Foundation, in partnership with the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), has launched the “Ray of Hope” storybook and animation film to mark Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
The initiative, unveiled during a special event led by Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother,” aims to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and timely treatment of childhood cancer.
Speaking during the launch, Dr. Kelej expressed her commitment to building stronger cancer care systems across Africa, emphasizing that the Ray of Hope project serves as both an educational and inspirational tool for children, families, and communities affected by cancer.
“Through this initiative, we aim to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and treatment of childhood cancer. Together with my dear sisters, the African First Ladies, we are determined to bring a true ray of hope to children and families facing this disease,” said Dr. Kelej.
Transforming Cancer Care Across Africa
The initiative forms part of the Merck Foundation Cancer Access Program, which is dedicated to improving access to quality and equitable cancer care in underserved communities. The program operates on three main pillars: capacity building for healthcare professionals, community awareness, and women’s empowerment.
Through the Merck Foundation Oncology Fellowship Program, doctors across Africa receive specialized training, fellowships, and master’s degrees in oncology and related fields. These programs are delivered in collaboration with Ministries of Health and top medical institutions in India, Egypt, and Kenya, ensuring that trainees gain hands-on clinical experience.
So far, over 230 doctors from 34 countries have benefited from the program , a milestone that is steadily building sustainable cancer care capacity across the continent.
In addition to medical training, the “More Than a Patient” initiative supports female cancer survivors by helping them rebuild their lives, regain confidence, and achieve economic independence. Merck Foundation also runs wide-reaching community awareness campaigns to challenge stigma and misinformation about cancer, encouraging families to seek early screening and treatment.
Dr. Kelej noted that awareness remains the first step toward saving lives. “Many children lose their lives to cancer simply because their illness is detected too late. By educating families and communities, we can ensure early diagnosis and improve survival rates,” she said.
The launch of Ray of Hope further strengthens Merck Foundation’s partnership with African First Ladies, who serve as Ambassadors of the foundation’s programs in their respective countries. Together, they are driving impactful campaigns focused on health, education, and women’s empowerment.
With this latest initiative, Merck Foundation continues to underscore its vision , a future where every child, regardless of where they are born, has access to timely, affordable, and compassionate cancer care.
As Childhood Cancer Awareness Month draws to a close, “Ray of Hope” stands as a reminder that awareness, compassion, and collective action can save lives — and that together, Africa can shine a light of hope for every child fighting cancer.
