MALABO, Africa & Asia – November 14, 2025 / APO Group / – The Merck Foundation, in collaboration with African and Asian First Ladies, Ministries of Health, and Medical Societies, has awarded 925 scholarships to healthcare providers from 52 countries. These scholarships cover one-year Postgraduate Diplomas, two-year Master’s Degrees, and clinical Fellowships in diabetes management workshop, Endocrinology, Preventive Cardiovascular Medicine, Cardiology, Obesity & Weight Management, and Hypertension.
Expanding Expertise Across Continents
Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, stated, “Our mission is to transform healthcare in Africa and Asia by providing specialized training in cardiac preventive measures, Endocrinology, and Diabetes care. We aim to build a future where early detection, treatment, and healthy lifestyles become standard, empowering local doctors and communities.”
Through their Nationwide Diabetes & Hypertension Blue Points Program, the foundation emphasizes awareness of preventive care and lifestyle management, particularly in underserved areas. To date, Merck Foundation has distributed over 2,400 scholarships in 44 medical specialties across 52 countries.
Raising Awareness Through Education
Merck Foundation launched storybooks and animated films, “Sugar Free Jude” and “Mark’s Pressure,” designed to educate children and youth about diabetes prevention, hypertension awareness campaign, and healthy living. Additionally, the foundation produced the song “No More Sugar” with Ghanaian singer Cwezi Oteng, promoting lifestyle habits that reduce sugar consumption, salt intake, and obesity risks.
Dr. Life Zambezi, an alumnus from Zimbabwe, shared, “The PG Diploma course in Diabetes Management enhanced my expertise, enabling me to establish a Diabetes Clinic at my district hospital. This has improved patient care and awareness about healthy living in my community.”
Nationwide & Regional Initiatives
Merck Foundation ensures that healthcare providers in both urban and rural areas receive scholarships, helping them create diabetes and hypertension clinics within hospitals. The initiatives promote prevention, early detection, and effective management of these conditions.
The Foundation also runs its pan-African TV program “Our Africa,” co-hosted by Dr. Kelej, which highlights social and health issues, featuring African Fashion Designers, Musicians, and Experts. Episodes specifically cover diabetes management and promoting healthy lifestyles.
Awards for Advocacy & Innovation
As part of its community outreach, the foundation annually honors media representatives, filmmakers, musicians, fashion designers, and emerging talents to promote awareness on diabetes and hypertension prevention. The 2026 awards include:
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Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards – for impactful messages raising hypertension awareness.
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Merck Foundation Film Awards – for films highlighting healthy lifestyle promotion.
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Merck Foundation Fashion Awards – for designs advocating prevention and awareness.
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Merck Foundation Song Awards – for musical works supporting healthy living.
Submission deadline: October 30, 2026
Apply here: https://apo-opa.co/4r0MD3k
Statistics Highlight Urgency
According to WHO, Africa had 24 million adults living with diabetes in 2021, projected to rise to 55 million by 2045. Alarmingly, 54% of adults remain undiagnosed, emphasizing the need for diabetes management workshops and preventive programs.
Engaging Communities Through Media
The Foundation’s initiatives include multilingual songs and animation films, such as:
- “Sugar Free Jude” Animation: https://apo-opa.co/47FJUon
- “Mark’s Pressure” Animation: https://apo-opa.co/47IwkAJ
- Song Remix: https://apo-opa.co/4peEnLu
Promoting Healthy Lifestyles
Through partnerships with African and Asian First Ladies, Ministries of Health, and Medical Societies, Merck Foundation continues to support training, scholarships, and public awareness campaigns focused on cardiac preventive measures, diabetes care, and hypertension.
For more resources and to follow the foundation’s programs: https://travel.afrikeye.com/
“This story was first reported by APO Group. Read the full article here.
