Merck Foundation Celebrates World Cancer Day with African First Ladies
Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, is commemorating World Cancer Day 2025 in collaboration with Africa’s First Ladies and Ministries of Health. Through their Cancer Access Program, Merck Foundation is dedicated to enhancing cancer care capacity in Africa and ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare services.
Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, the CEO of Merck Foundation, emphasized the organization’s ongoing commitment to advancing cancer care in Africa. Together with Africa’s First Ladies, Merck Foundation has awarded 194 scholarships to young African doctors from 32 countries, significantly boosting the number of oncologists on the continent. This initiative is historic as it is training the first African oncologists and establishing the first cancer care teams in countries such as The Gambia, Sierra Leone, Burundi, Liberia, and more.
Merck Foundation’s Cancer Access Program offers one-, two-, and three-year fellowships, post-graduate diplomas, and master’s degrees in oncology for doctors from Africa. Clinical training is conducted in India, Egypt, and Kenya, with additional scholarships for online programs in reputable UK universities. The program aims to establish multidisciplinary oncology care teams in various African countries by providing specialized training in different aspects of oncology.
To date, Merck Foundation has provided over 2100 scholarships to doctors from 52 countries in critical medical specialties. The organization has also created awareness materials on cancer prevention and early detection to educate communities about the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment.
Dr. Chifundo Kajombo, a Merck Foundation alumni from Malawi, shared his gratitude for receiving a scholarship for surgical oncology training in India. He acknowledged the program for enhancing his skills and knowledge, enabling him to make significant improvements in cancer care in Malawi. His success underscores the impact of Merck Foundation’s initiatives in transforming healthcare delivery in African nations.
The high mortality rate of cancer patients in Africa underscores the urgent need for capacity-building initiatives like those led by Merck Foundation. By training healthcare professionals and establishing specialized cancer care teams, the organization is playing a crucial role in improving cancer outcomes and reducing the burden of the disease in the region.
As Merck Foundation continues its mission to elevate healthcare standards in underserved communities, the organization remains committed to its non-political stance, focusing solely on its humanitarian goals. Through collaborations with governments and partners, Merck Foundation aims to empower communities, especially women and youth, and drive positive social and health outcomes across Africa.
For more information about Merck Foundation and its initiatives, visit www.Merck-Foundation.com and follow the organization on social media platforms to join the conversation and support their noble cause.
