Merck Foundation Awards 2,600+ Opportunities to Healthcare Providers Across 52 Countries
The Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, marked World Health Day 2026 by granting over 2,600 opportunities to young healthcare providers from 52 countries, reaffirming its commitment to improving healthcare access across Africa, Asia, and beyond.
Dr Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO of Merck Foundation, said: “At Merck Foundation, we remain committed to transforming patient care and improving access to quality healthcare solutions. For the past 14 years, we have celebrated World Health Day by building healthcare capacity in underserved communities.”
These awards cover 44 critical and underserved medical fields, enabling many recipients to become the first-ever specialists in their respective areas in countries including Namibia, Liberia, The Gambia, Burundi, Malawi, Sierra Leone, Zambia, Guinea, Ethiopia, Congo, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Zimbabwe.
“This is history in the making,” Dr Kelej added. “We are proud to empower a new generation of healthcare specialists who will serve generations to come.”
Africa faces a critical shortage of trained healthcare professionals. According to the WHO, the continent bears 24% of the world’s disease burden but has only 2.9 healthcare workers per 1,000 people, creating significant gaps in disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
Merck Foundation works closely with African and Asian First Ladies, as well as local partners including Ministries of Health, Education, Gender, academia, research institutions, and media organisations, to strengthen healthcare capacity and address social and economic challenges in underserved communities.
The Foundation also empowers women and youth in STEM through its annual Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit (MARS) Awards, celebrating the best African women and young researchers.
Dr Kelej announced the call for applications for the 2026 opportunities, with a special focus on women medical graduates. Programmes include on-site fellowships, clinical training, and online diplomas or master’s degrees in 44 critical fields. Applications are invited via the offices of the First Ladies and national Ministries of Health.
For in-campus opportunities in fertility, oncology, diabetes, and other areas: https://apo-opa.co/4cc7x90
For online programmes: https://apo-opa.co/4c9nLj7
Selection will depend on eligibility, availability, and healthcare priorities in each country as determined by the First Lady’s office, Ministry of Health, or relevant medical society.
