Merck Foundation Transforms Public Health with 2,282 Scholarships for Doctors Across 52 Countries
The Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, has marked World Health Day 2025 by announcing a remarkable milestone: the provision of 2,282 scholarships to doctors from 52 countries in Africa, Asia, and beyond.
The initiative, led by CEO Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, is significantly strengthening healthcare systems in underserved regions through specialized training across 44 critical medical fields.
Delivered in partnership with Africa’s First Ladies—who serve as Ambassadors for the Foundation’s “More Than a Mother” campaign—these scholarships target capacity gaps in oncology, endocrinology, reproductive medicine, neurology, cardiology, intensive care, and more.
The programs include both online and in-campus training, with selection coordinated through First Ladies’ offices, Ministries of Health, and national medical societies.
“Together with our Ambassadors, the First Ladies of Africa, we mark World Health Day every day of the year by building healthcare capacity and transforming patient care,” said Dr. Kelej. “Many of our alumni are now the first-ever specialists in their countries in fields such as fertility, oncology, and diabetes care.”
According to WHO, Africa has only 1.55 healthcare workers per 1,000 people, far below the threshold of 4.45 needed for universal health coverage. Merck Foundation’s scholarships are helping close this gap, empowering doctors to return to their communities with lifesaving expertise.
The Foundation has also launched two children’s storybooks—“Sugar Free Jude” and “Mark’s Pressure”—adapted into animated films to educate the public on healthy living, diabetes, and hypertension. It further supports health education through media, music, fashion, and art awards designed to inspire grassroots awareness campaigns.
This year, Merck Foundation opened applications for its 2025 scholarship cycle, with a special focus on female doctors. Opportunities include one-year diplomas and two-year master’s programs, supported by partnerships with global academic institutions.
Dr. Kelej concluded, “Our legacy is not just in numbers, but in the lives improved through access to specialized care. We are building sustainable, inclusive healthcare for the future.”
