Merck Foundation Awards 925 Specialised Scholarships to Mark World Heart Day
Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, in partnership with African and Asian First Ladies, has announced the award of 925 specialised scholarships to doctors across 52 countries, marking World Heart Day 2025.
The scholarships, provided through collaborations with Ministries of Health, medical societies, and academia, cover one-year postgraduate diplomas, two-year master’s degrees, and clinical fellowships in Preventive Cardiovascular Medicine, Cardiology, Diabetes, Endocrinology, Clinical Nutrition, and Obesity & Weight Management. A special three-month Diabetes Mastercourse is also available in English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish.
The initiative forms part of Merck Foundation’s wider effort to strengthen healthcare capacity in underserved areas. To date, the organisation has provided over 2,400 scholarships in 44 critical specialties, extending access to specialist care beyond major cities.
Senator Dr Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, emphasised the impact of the programme: “At Merck Foundation, we mark World Heart Day every day through our continuous efforts to strengthen healthcare capacity and expand equitable access to care. These scholarships are building a robust network of specialists who are better equipped to manage cardiovascular and metabolic diseases across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.”
Dr Nakigunda Kiroga, a cardiology alumnus from Tanzania, shared how the programme enhanced her confidence in assessing cardiovascular risk, applying evidence-based interventions, and guiding patients towards lifestyle changes.
According to the World Heart Federation, cardiovascular diseases are the second leading cause of death in sub-Saharan Africa, responsible for more than one million deaths annually. High blood pressure accounts for over half of these fatalities, underscoring the urgent need for preventive measures.
To raise awareness, Merck Foundation has also launched community-based initiatives, including storybooks and the continent’s first animated films on hypertension and diabetes—Mark’s Pressure and Sugar Free Jude. These educational resources aim to inspire children and youth to embrace healthy lifestyles through reduced sugar and salt intake, regular exercise, balanced diets, and avoiding tobacco.
“On the occasion of World Heart Day, we are proud to launch the first African animation films tackling hypertension and diabetes awareness. By instilling healthy habits early, we can empower future generations to lead healthier lives,” Dr Kelej added.
The Foundation’s pan-African TV programme, Our Africa, produced and co-hosted by Dr Kelej, has dedicated episodes to healthy lifestyles and diabetes awareness, further reinforcing the message through fashion, music, and cultural engagement.
In addition, Merck Foundation has launched its 2025 awards in partnership with African First Ladies to encourage media professionals, filmmakers, fashion designers, and musicians to create impactful content promoting the prevention and early detection of diabetes and hypertension.
Award categories and deadlines:
- Media Recognition Awards 2025 “Diabetes & Hypertension” – for journalists and media houses (Deadline: 30 October 2025).
- Film Awards 2025 “Diabetes & Hypertension” – for filmmakers, students, and young talents (Deadline: 30 October 2025).
- Fashion Awards 2025 “Diabetes & Hypertension” – for students and designers (Deadline: 30 October 2025).
- Song Awards 2025 “Diabetes & Hypertension” – for singers and musicians (Deadline: 30 October 2025).
Entries should be submitted via email to submit@merck-foundation.com.
Through these initiatives, Merck Foundation, alongside African and Asian First Ladies, continues to build healthcare capacity, promote healthier lifestyles, and reduce the growing burden of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases globally.
