The Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, recently commemorated World Health Day 2025 in collaboration with the African First Ladies, who serve as ambassadors for the foundation’s “More Than a Mother” . This partnership resulted in the allocation of over 2,250 scholarships to medical professionals across Africa and beyond, thus reinforcing their commitment to enhancing healthcare access through scholarships and capacity-building programs.
Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, Chief Executive Officer of Merck Foundation, articulated, “Over the past 13 years, our objective has been to ensure equitable access to healthcare through initiatives that focus on education, training, and public awareness. These initiatives not only transform the patient care landscape in Africa and Asia but also empower local communities and healthcare professionals.”
Dr. Kelej underscored the importance of these initiatives by stating, “Alongside our ambassadors, the First Ladies of Africa, we make a concerted effort to promote World Health Day every day of the year by enhancing healthcare capacity and transforming patient care. To date, we have awarded more than 2,250 scholarships to young doctors across 52 countries in Africa, Asia, and beyond. These scholarships encompass 44 vital and underserved medical specialties, including Oncology, Diabetes, Preventative Cardiovascular Medicine, Endocrinology, Sexual and Reproductive Medicine, Acute Medicine, Respiratory Medicine, Embryology and Fertility, Gastroenterology, Dermatology, Psychiatry, Emergency and Resuscitation Medicine, Critical Care, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Neonatal Medicine, Advanced Surgical Practice, Pain Management, General Surgery, Clinical Microbiology, Infectious Diseases, Internal Medicine, Trauma and Orthopedics, Neurosurgery, Neurology, Cardiology, Stroke Medicine, Geriatrics, Family Medicine, Pediatrics, Obesity Management, Women’s Health, and others.”
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the African region has a mere 1.55 health workers—encompassing physicians, nurses, and midwives—per 1,000 individuals, significantly below the WHO’s recommended threshold of 4.45 health workers per 1,000 individuals needed for the provision of essential health services and the achievement of universal health coverage. Consequently, the scholarships offered by the Merck Foundation are of paramount importance, as they equip medical professionals with specialized training, thereby bridging healthcare gaps and improving patient care in underserved communities.
Dr. Kelej proceeded to highlight the historical context preceding the foundation’s initiatives, stating, “Prior to the establishment of the Merck Foundation programs in 2012, numerous countries—including The Gambia, Liberia, Sierra Leone, the Central African Republic, Guinea, Burundi, Niger, Chad, Ethiopia, Namibia, Myanmar, and Bangladesh—lacked sufficient specialists in critical fields such as Oncology, Fertility and Reproductive Care, Diabetology, Respiratory Medicine, and Intensive Care. I take pride in noting that many of our alumni have emerged as, or are on the path to becoming, the first specialized medical professionals in their respective countries, thereby contributing to a lasting legacy in the African healthcare landscape.”
The Merck Foundation collaborates closely with their ambassadors, the African First Ladies, as well as local partners, including Ministries of Health, Education, Information and Communication, Gender, and various academic and research institutions. Together, they strive to address health, social, and economic challenges faced by developing nations and underserved communities.
“This year’s theme, ‘Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,’ aligns seamlessly with our initiatives aimed at educating the younger generation about the significance of healthy lifestyles, along with raising awareness about diabetes and hypertension. In collaboration with the First Ladies of Africa, we have launched two educational storybooks addressing these health topics, which have been further transformed into engaging animated films,” Dr. Kelej remarked.
Moreover, the Merck Foundation has instituted awards recognizing the best media, film, fashion designs, and musical compositions that emphasize these health themes. This initiative seeks to encourage local artists and emerging talents to disseminate knowledge about the importance of a healthy lifestyle within their communities through their creative endeavors.
Dr. Kelej concluded her remarks by announcing, “I am pleased to inform you of the call for applications for our 2025 scholarships targeting young doctors, with an emphasis on female candidates. These scholarships include one-year diploma and two-year master’s programs in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties, incorporating both on-site fellowship opportunities and online diploma offerings. Applications will be accepted through the offices of our ambassadors and long-term partners, the First Ladies of Africa, alongside the Ministries of Health in each respective country.”
To Apply for In campus Scholarships, visit:https://merck-foundation.com/