Merck Foundation Strengthens Cancer Care in Africa by Training First Oncologists and Multidisciplinary Teams Across 34 Countries
The Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, is making significant strides in enhancing cancer care across Africa. In collaboration with African First Ladies and Ministries of Health, the foundation is actively addressing the critical shortage of oncologists and cancer care professionals on the continent. This initiative is particularly timely, coinciding with the observance of World Cancer Day 2026.
Expanding Cancer Care Capacity
The Merck Foundation has launched a comprehensive Cancer Access Program aimed at building cancer care capacity in Africa. This initiative includes the provision of approximately 260 scholarships for one-year clinical training in various oncology subspecialties, as well as one-year and two-year postgraduate diplomas and master’s degrees in Cancer and Clinical Oncology, Medical Oncology, and Pain Management.
Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO of the Merck Foundation, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating that it aims to combat late diagnosis and the lack of trained specialists in the region. The foundation has successfully awarded 258 oncology scholarships to healthcare providers from 34 African and Asian countries, significantly increasing the number of trained oncologists and establishing multidisciplinary cancer care teams in nations where previously none existed.
Historic Achievements in Oncology Training
The foundation’s efforts are historic, as it is training the first oncologists and cancer care teams in several countries, including The Gambia, Sierra Leone, Burundi, Liberia, Guinea Conakry, Central African Republic, Chad, Malawi, Niger, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. This initiative is vital, given that Africa faces approximately 1.1 million new cancer cases and around 700,000 cancer-related deaths annually, according to WHO data from 2022.
Dr. Kelej noted that nearly two-thirds of cancer cases can be effectively treated if diagnosed early. Furthermore, up to one-third of cancer cases can be prevented by addressing key risk factors, such as exposure to radiation and certain infections. To raise awareness about these issues, the Merck Foundation, in partnership with African First Ladies, has launched a children’s storybook and an animated film titled “Ray of Hope,” which focuses on childhood cancer and the importance of early detection.
Comprehensive Training Programs
The Merck Foundation’s training programs encompass a wide range of oncology subspecialties, including Medical Oncology, Surgical Oncology, Pediatric Oncology, Gynecologic Oncology, Breast Oncology, Hematology-Oncology, Orthopedic Oncology, Palliative Care, Pathology Oncology, Radiation Oncology, and more. Additionally, the foundation offers postgraduate diplomas and master’s degrees from reputable UK universities, such as the University of South Wales, University of Buckingham, Queen Mary University of London, and Cardiff University.
The 34 countries benefiting from these programs include Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, and others. The foundation has provided over 2,500 scholarships across 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved specialties.
Raising Awareness and Community Engagement
In addition to training healthcare professionals, the Merck Foundation is committed to raising awareness about cancer prevention and early detection. The “Ray of Hope” storybook and animation film are part of this initiative, aimed at educating children and their families about the importance of recognizing early warning signs of cancer.
Dr. Judith Mkwaila, a Merck Foundation alumna from Malawi, shared her experience of receiving a scholarship to pursue a Surgical Oncology fellowship. She highlighted the transformative impact of the training, which equipped her with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in complex oncological procedures. Her training enabled her to establish a General Surgical Clinic and become the first female chief surgeon at Mzuzu Central Hospital.
The Merck Foundation remains steadfast in its commitment to transforming the landscape of cancer care in Africa, leading the continent toward a healthier future.
For more information on the Merck Foundation and its initiatives, visit www.zawya.com.
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Published on 2026-05-08 18:16:00 • By the Editorial Desk
