Nairobi, Kenya & Mumbai, Maharashtra, India | 29th September 2025: Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, in collaboration with African and Asian First Ladies, Ministries of Health, and Medical Societies, has awarded 925 scholarships out of a total of 2,400 scholarships to doctors from 52 countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
These scholarships cover:
- One-year Post-Graduate Diploma programs
- Two-year Master’s degrees in Preventive Cardiovascular Medicine, Cardiology, Diabetes, Endocrinology, Obesity & Weight Management
- One-year Fellowship programs for Diabetes and Hypertension
Additionally, Merck Foundation offers a three-month Diabetes Mastercourse in English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish, strengthening healthcare capacity in underserved regions.
Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, stated,
“We aim to continuously strengthen healthcare systems and expand access to quality care in cardiology, cardiovascular prevention, hypertension, and diabetes across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.”
Raising Awareness on Hypertension and Diabetes through Storybooks and Animation Films
To complement its educational programs, Merck Foundation has released children’s storybooks and animated films “Mark’s Pressure” and “Sugar Free Jude”. These initiatives aim to:
- Promote early detection and prevention of hypertension and diabetes
- Encourage healthy lifestyle habits among children and youth
- Educate communities on reducing sugar and salt intake, exercising regularly, eating nutritious foods, and avoiding smoking
Watch the films:
- Mark’s Pressure
- Sugar Free Jude
Merck Foundation Celebrates World Heart Day 2025
Marking World Heart Day 2025, Merck Foundation partnered with First Ladies, Ministries of Health, Medical Societies, and Academia to launch the Nationwide Diabetes & Hypertension Blue Points Program.
Dr. Kelej emphasized,
“Our initiatives empower doctors and communities to prevent cardiovascular diseases, which are the second leading cause of death in sub-Saharan Africa.”
According to the World Heart Federation, over 1 million people die annually from cardiovascular diseases in sub-Saharan Africa, with high blood pressure contributing to more than half of these deaths.
Success Stories: Transforming Healthcare in Africa
Dr. Nakigunda Kiroga, a Merck Foundation alumnus from Tanzania, shared:
“The PG Diploma and MSc in Cardiology strengthened my ability to assess cardiovascular risks, implement evidence-based interventions, and educate patients on lifestyle changes, significantly improving healthcare outcomes.”
Pan-African Awareness Programs: “Our Africa” TV Show
Merck Foundation’s “Our Africa” TV program, conceptualized and hosted by Dr. Kelej, highlights African fashion designers, musicians, and health experts to raise awareness about diabetes and healthy lifestyles.
Watch episodes:
- Promoting Healthy Lifestyle
- Diabetes Awareness
All episodes are available on Merck Foundation and Dr. Rasha Kelej’s social media platforms.
Merck Foundation Awards 2025: Promoting Healthy Lifestyles
Merck Foundation, in partnership with African and Asian First Ladies, annually recognizes media, filmmakers, fashion designers, musicians, and emerging talents to raise awareness about diabetes and hypertension.
Awards Categories and Submission Deadlines (30th October 2025):
- Media Recognition Awards: Promote healthy lifestyles and early detection of diabetes & hypertension.
- Film Awards: Long or short films addressing diabetes & hypertension awareness.
- Fashion Awards: Designs promoting healthy lifestyle messages.
- Song Awards: Music raising awareness of diabetes & hypertension.
Submit entries via email: submit@merck-foundation.com
Join the Merck Foundation Movement
Download the Merck Foundation App: Merck Foundation App
Follow on social media:
- Facebook: Merck Foundation
- X (Twitter): @MerckFoundation
- YouTube: MerckFoundation
- Instagram: Merck Foundation
- Threads: Merck Foundation
- Flickr: Merck Foundation
- Website: www.merckfoundation.com
