Merck Foundation and African First Ladies Advance Oncology Care with 258 Cancer Care Scholarships Across 34 Countries

Berlin: Merck Foundation, in collaboration with African First Ladies and Ministries of Health, marked 'World Cancer Day 2026' by furthering their commitment to enhance cancer care capacity through a comprehensive Cancer Access Program. This initiative seeks to increase the number of trained oncologists across Africa by providing 258 scholarships for healthcare providers from 34 countries, covering various oncology sub-specialties and degrees. According to African Press Organization, the scholarships offered by Merck Foundation include one-year clinical training in oncology sub-specialties, as well as one-year and two-year post-graduate diplomas and master's degrees in Cancer and Clinical Oncology, Medical Oncology, and Pain Management. The foundation's efforts aim to address critical gaps in cancer care, such as late diagnosis and a shortage of trained specialists, which contribute to higher cancer mortality rates in Africa compared to other regions. Merck Foundation is making significant strides by trainin g the first African oncologists and establishing the first cancer care teams in countries like The Gambia, Sierra Leone, Burundi, Liberia, and others. The foundation's Chairman and CEO, Dr. Rasha Kelej, emphasized that these scholarships are pivotal in forming multidisciplinary oncology care teams, thus transforming patient care and leading Africa toward a healthier future. The Cancer Access Program includes collaborations with reputable UK universities such as the University of South Wales, University of Buckingham, Queen Mary University of London, and Cardiff University. The 34 countries benefiting from these scholarships encompass regions like Botswana, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, and others. According to WHO data from 2022, Africa experiences approximately 1.1 million new cancer cases annually with up to 700,000 cancer-related deaths, highlighting the urgent need for improved cancer care systems. Merck Foundation's scholarships are crucial for enhancing cancer care capacity, enabling early diagnosis, and providing access to well-trained cancer care teams. To raise awareness about cancer prevention and early detection, Merck Foundation, in collaboration with African First Ladies, released a children's storybook and animation film titled "Ray of Hope". This initiative underscores the importance of early detection and access to trained healthcare professionals, as early intervention can significantly improve treatment outcomes. Dr. Judith Mkwaila, a Merck Foundation alumnus from Malawi, shared her transformative experience, stating that the foundation's scholarship enabled her to become the first and only female Chief Surgeon at Mzuzu Central Hospital. Her training in Surgical Oncology at Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth in India equipped her with the necessary skills to establish a General Surgical Clinic, showcasing the transformative impact of Merck Foundation's initiatives in oncology care.