Merck Foundation Awards 2,600 Scholarships to Healthcare Professionals Across 52 Countries to Strengthen Medical Care

The Chief Executive Officer of the Merck Foundation, Dr. Rasha Kelej, has announced that the foundation has so far awarded approximately 2,600 scholarships to healthcare professionals from 52 countries, covering 44 critical and underserved medical specialties** as part of efforts to strengthen healthcare systems across developing nations.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Merck Foundation Africa-Asia Luminary 2026, Dr. Kelej noted that the initiative continues to make a significant impact globally, with many beneficiaries of the programme becoming the first medical specialists in their respective countries.

Scholarships

According to her, the scholarship programme forms part of the Foundation’s long-term strategy to bridge healthcare gaps, especially in countries facing shortages of specialist medical professionals.

She emphasised that through strong partnerships with ambassadors, governments, and healthcare institutions, the Foundation is helping transform healthcare delivery systems across Africa, Asia and other parts of the world.

“Many of our Merck Foundation alumni have become the first specialists in their countries. Together with our Ambassadors and partners, we are making history and transforming the patient care landscape across Africa, Asia and beyond,” she stated.

The scholarship initiative is particularly aimed at strengthening fertility care services and improving access to quality healthcare for women across 42 countries, addressing some of the continent’s most pressing healthcare challenges.

Dr. Kelej further revealed that more than 800 scholarships have specifically been awarded to healthcare providers specialising in areas such as Fertility, Embryology, Sexual and Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Psychiatry, Women’s Health, Urology, Laparoscopic Surgical Skills, and Family Medicine.

World Infertility Awareness

As part of its advocacy efforts, the Foundation also marked World Infertility Awareness Month through its flagship campaign, Merck Foundation More Than a Mother which focuses on empowering infertile and childless women through access to health education, information, social awareness, and changing societal perceptions surrounding infertility.

Reaffirming the organisation’s long-term commitment to improving healthcare delivery in Africa, Dr. Rasha Kelej stressed that the Foundation remains dedicated to strengthening medical capacity on the continent through specialist training and continuous education for healthcare professionals.

She added that the Foundation will continue collaborating with governments, healthcare institutions, and development partners to build a strong network of highly skilled medical professionals capable of improving cancer care, expanding specialist treatment services, and ultimately improving overall health outcomes across the continent.