Merck Foundation, First Ladies Unite to Raise Childhood Cancer Awareness
Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA, Germany, in partnership with African and Asian First Ladies, has launched a new children’s storybook and animation film titled “Ray of Hope”, aimed at strengthening cancer awareness, early detection, and resilience among children and families.
The storybook and its animated adaptation were released by Merck Foundation Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer, Senator Dr Rasha Kelej, together with First Ladies from Burundi, Central African Republic, The Gambia, Liberia, Nigeria, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Senegal. The launch took place during the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative (MFFLI) Committee Meeting, held alongside the 12th Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary in The Gambia.
Dr Kelej said the initiative seeks to address the growing burden of cancer in Africa, particularly childhood cancer, by promoting early diagnosis, prevention, and access to quality care. She noted that although childhood cancer is a difficult journey for patients and families, early detection and timely treatment significantly improve survival outcomes, as many paediatric cancers are treatable.
The storybook follows the journey of a young girl named Hope, who faces cancer with courage and resilience, while highlighting the importance of recognising early warning signs and accessing a well-trained cancer care team. Dr Kelej emphasised that these signs should never be ignored, as early detection saves lives.
Cancer remains a major public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa and is among the leading causes of premature death. Dr Kelej explained that nearly two-thirds of cancer cases can be treated if diagnosed early, while up to one-third can be prevented through reduced exposure to risk factors such as infections, radiation, and lifestyle-related causes.
As part of its Cancer Access Programme, Merck Foundation has so far provided 243 oncology-related scholarships to healthcare professionals from 35 countries, supporting the establishment of multidisciplinary cancer care teams across Africa. Training areas include medical, surgical and paediatric oncology, radiation therapy, pathology, oncology nursing, palliative care, and specialised diagnostic services.
The Foundation also offers postgraduate diplomas and master’s degrees in oncology and pain management through partnerships with universities in the United Kingdom, including the University of South Wales, Queen Mary University of London, the University of Buckingham, and Cardiff University. Overall, Merck Foundation has awarded more than 2,500 scholarships to doctors from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties.
Dr Kelej said the “Ray of Hope” storybook and animation film will be distributed across partner countries and made available in English, French, and Portuguese, each featuring special messages from African and Asian First Ladies. She added that storytelling and animation are powerful tools for educating children and building a healthier, more empathetic generation.
Merck Foundation has previously launched several storybooks addressing health and social issues, including infertility stigma, girls’ education, gender-based violence, diabetes, and hypertension, as part of its broader commitment to improving health and social outcomes across Africa and Asia.
