In a landmark initiative marking World Cancer Day 2026, the Merck Foundation, in collaboration with African First Ladies and Ministries of Health, has strengthened oncology care capacity across Africa by awarding 258 scholarships to healthcare providers from 34 countries.
The scholarships provide one-year clinical training in oncology sub-specialties, as well as one- and two-year postgraduate diplomas and master’s degrees in Cancer and Clinical Oncology, Medical Oncology, and Pain Management, offered through leading UK universities including the University of South Wales, University of Buckingham, Queen Mary University of London, and Cardiff University.
Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), Merck Foundation CEO, said: “At Merck Foundation, we mark World Cancer Day through sustained efforts to transform cancer care in Africa by addressing one of its most critical gaps: late diagnosis and the shortage of trained specialists. Together with my sisters, African First Ladies, we have strengthened cancer care capacity by training the first oncologists and multidisciplinary cancer care teams in several countries where none previously existed, including The Gambia, Sierra Leone, Burundi, Liberia, Guinea Conakry, Central African Republic,
Chad, and Niger.”
Since its inception, the Merck Foundation has provided over 2,500 scholarships to healthcare professionals across 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved specialties, significantly expanding access to medical expertise and multidisciplinary care teams.
The initiative also includes awareness campaigns such as the “Ray of Hope” children’s storybook and animation film, launched in partnership with African First Ladies to promote early detection and childhood cancer awareness in three languages.
Dr. Kelej emphasized the importance of early detection, noting that nearly two-thirds of cancer cases can be successfully treated when diagnosed early, and up to a third can be prevented by addressing risk factors.
Alumni testimonials illustrate the impact of the program. Dr. Judith Mkwaila from Malawi, the first and only female Chief Surgeon at Mzuzu Central Hospital, shared that the Merck Foundation scholarship enabled her to gain advanced training in surgical oncology and establish a multidisciplinary clinic for complex cancer cases, improving access to high-quality care in her country.
With cancer mortality rates in Africa among the highest globally, Merck Foundation’s oncology scholarships play a crucial role in strengthening healthcare systems, developing skilled professionals, and improving patient outcomes across the continent.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.
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