Dr. Rasha Kelej and African & Asian First Ladies Strengthen Cardiovascular Care with 1,000 Scholarships on World Hypertension Day
In a pivotal effort to address the rising concerns of hypertension and diabetes, the Merck Foundation, the philanthropic branch of Merck KGaA Germany, has observed World Hypertension Day 2026 by partnering with the First Ladies of Africa and Asia. This collaboration aims to improve healthcare access through the Nationwide Diabetes & Hypertension Blue Points Program, which offers specialized scholarships to healthcare professionals across these regions.
Expanding Access to Healthcare Education
Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of the Merck Foundation, affirmed the organization’s dedication to enhancing healthcare delivery. She stated that the foundation marks World Hypertension Day by expanding access to quality and equitable care in hypertension, diabetes, endocrinology, and cardiovascular preventive care. The initiative has successfully awarded nearly 1,000 scholarships to young healthcare providers from 52 countries. These scholarships encompass one-year online postgraduate diplomas and two-year online master’s degrees in vital areas such as diabetes, cardiovascular preventive care, and obesity weight management.
The scholarships are strategically designed to reach healthcare professionals in rural and underserved areas, thereby strengthening healthcare systems across the nations involved. This approach is particularly crucial in regions where healthcare resources are scarce.
Addressing a Growing Health Crisis
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that the African region has the highest prevalence of hypertension, affecting approximately 27% of adults. This alarming statistic highlights the urgency of initiatives led by the Merck Foundation. The foundation has provided over 2,600 scholarships across 44 critical and underserved medical specialties, with the goal of building a robust healthcare workforce capable of tackling these public health challenges.
Dr. Hazel W. Kariuki, a Merck Foundation alumnus from Kenya, shared her transformative experience with the scholarship program, noting that the training significantly enhanced her clinical knowledge and practical skills in cardiovascular and diabetes care, enabling her to improve healthcare services within her community.
Community Awareness Initiatives
Beyond educational scholarships, the Merck Foundation has launched community awareness programs in partnership with the First Ladies of Africa and Asia. This includes the release of children’s storybooks titled ‘Mark’s Pressure’ and ‘Sugar Free Jude’, aimed at educating families about hypertension and diabetes. These resources promote healthier lifestyle choices, which are essential for the prevention of these conditions.
The foundation has also adapted these storybooks into engaging animated films. Dr. Kelej emphasized the importance of educating children and youth about healthy habits, such as reducing salt and sugar intake and exercising regularly. She noted that small changes today can lead to a healthier tomorrow.
Media and Cultural Engagement
The Merck Foundation’s pan-African TV program, “Our Africa,” serves as an additional platform for raising awareness about health issues, including hypertension and diabetes. Conceptualized and co-hosted by Dr. Kelej, the program features African fashion designers, singers, and experts, aiming to engage the public on social and health matters. Episodes dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles are broadcast across national and prime TV stations in various African countries, including Burundi, Botswana, Ghana, and Kenya.
Awards to Promote Healthy Lifestyles
To further encourage community engagement, the Merck Foundation, in collaboration with African First Ladies, annually launches awards recognizing excellence in media, fashion, film, and music. These awards aim to promote healthy lifestyles and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of diabetes and hypertension.
The Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards 2026 invites media representatives to showcase impactful work that promotes health awareness. Similarly, the Merck Foundation Film Awards 2026 encourages filmmakers to create compelling narratives that highlight these critical health issues. The Fashion Awards and Song Awards also invite designers and musicians to creatively contribute to this cause.
Submission Details
Entries for all awards must be submitted via email by October 30, 2026. This initiative not only fosters creativity but also empowers local talent to contribute to public health messaging.
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Published on 2026-05-17 13:37:00 • By the Editorial Desk
