Merck Foundation Strengthens Healthcare Access with Over 2,600 Scholarships Across 52 Countries in Partnership with African and Asian First Ladies
The Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, has announced its commitment to enhancing healthcare access on World Health Day 2026. This initiative is in collaboration with First Ladies from various African and Asian nations, who serve as ambassadors for the “More Than a Mother” campaign. The foundation aims to revolutionize healthcare access through its Scholarships and Capacity Building Program.
Significant Contributions to Healthcare Education
Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of the Merck Foundation, emphasized the organization’s dedication to transforming patient care and improving access to quality healthcare solutions across Africa and Asia. Over the past 14 years, the foundation has marked World Health Day daily through its initiatives aimed at building healthcare capacity in underserved communities.
Dr. Kelej highlighted that the foundation has awarded more than 2,600 scholarships to young healthcare providers from 52 countries in 44 critical medical specialties. Many recipients have become the first specialists in their fields within their respective nations, including Namibia, Liberia, and Bangladesh. Dr. Kelej remarked on the historical significance of these efforts, stating that the foundation is proud to contribute to Africa’s legacy by empowering a new generation of healthcare specialists.
Addressing the Healthcare Workforce Shortage
The shortage of trained healthcare providers is a pressing issue in Africa, exacerbated by limited financial resources. According to a 2021 WHO report, the African region bears 24% of the world’s disease burden while having only 2.9 healthcare workers per 1,000 people. This disparity significantly impacts health outcomes across the continent.
The Merck Foundation’s scholarships are crucial in bridging these gaps, providing specialized training to doctors and enhancing patient care in underserved areas. The foundation collaborates closely with its ambassadors, the African and Asian First Ladies, and local partners, including Ministries of Health and Education, to address healthcare challenges in developing regions.
Empowering Women and Youth in STEM
In addition to healthcare training, the Merck Foundation actively promotes the empowerment of women and youth in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Through its STEM Program and the annual Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit (MARS) Awards, the foundation recognizes outstanding African women and young researchers, fostering research excellence.
Dr. Kelej noted that the theme for World Health Day 2026, “Together for health. Stand with science,” aligns seamlessly with the foundation’s mission to train healthcare providers and empower women and youth in STEM fields.
Call for Applications for 2026 Scholarships
The Merck Foundation has announced the Call for Applications for 2026 Scholarships, specifically targeting young healthcare providers, with an emphasis on women medical graduates. The scholarships include on-site fellowship programs, clinical training, and online diploma and master’s degree opportunities in 44 critical medical specialties. Applications are accepted through the offices of the First Ladies and the Ministries of Health in each participating country.
For those interested in applying for in-campus scholarships in specialties such as fertility, oncology, and diabetes, further details can be found here. For online scholarships, applicants can visit this link.
The selection process for each scholarship will be based on requests from the First Lady’s office, the Ministry of Health, or medical societies, aiming to fill gaps within public healthcare systems. The criteria will include eligibility requirements set by each training institution and the availability of funds.
For more information, please contact:
Mehak Handa
Community Awareness Program Manager
Phone: +91 9310087613 / +91 9319606669
Email: mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com
The Merck Foundation remains committed to improving social and health outcomes for communities in need. While collaborating with various partners, including governments, the foundation maintains a strictly neutral stance on political matters, focusing solely on its humanitarian mission.
Source: www.zawya.com
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Published on 2026-05-16 13:35:00 • By the Editorial Desk
