WCD: Merck Foundation, African First Ladies give scholarships to doctors

In commemoration of the 2025 World Cancer Day (WCD) celebration, the Merck Foundation, First Ladies and Ministries of Health in Africa have provided 194 scholarships to African doctors from 32 countries to undergo Oncology training.

Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, is making history in Africa by training the First African Oncologists and First Cancer Care Teams in countries such as Nigeria, Gambia, Sierra Leone, Burundi, Liberia, Guinea Conakry, Central African Republic, Chad, Burundi, Malawi, Niger, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, among others.

The CEO of Merck Foundation, Dr. Rasha Kelej, noted that through their Cancer Access Programme, Merck Foundation was building quality and equitable cancer care capacity in Africa.

She said: “At Merck Foundation, we mark World Cancer Day not just as a single day, but as our continued commitment to transform and advance cancer care in Africa.

“Together with my dear sisters, Africa’s First Ladies, we have enhanced the cancer care capacity in the continent by providing 194 scholarships to young African doctors from 32 countries, significantly increasing the number of oncologists in Africa.

“We are making history together by providing these important scholarships for the first oncologists and /or the first cancer care teams in many countries across Africa.”

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In total, Merck Foundation has provided more than 2100 scholarships to doctors from over 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialities.

The clinical oncology training has been conducted in India, Egypt, and Kenya.

Additionally, Merck Foundation also provides scholarships for two years online PG Diploma in Cancer and Clinical Oncology, one year online PG Diploma in Medical Oncology and one year online PG Diploma in Pain Management from universities in the UK, including University of South Wales, University of Buckingham, Queen Mary University of London, and Cardiff University.

Kelej added: “In several of these countries, there wasn’t even a single oncologist. We are proud to be making history in Africa by training the first oncologists and establishing the first cancer care teams in nations such as The Gambia, Sierra Leone, Burundi, Liberia, Guinea Conakry, Central African Republic, Chad, and Niger.

“Merck Foundation remains committed to transforming the landscape of cancer care across the continent and leading Africa toward a healthier future.”

The Star