Merck Foundation Marks World Health Day 2025 with Groundbreaking Scholarships and Capacity Building Programs

Strategic Insights -

Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, celebrates the organization's commitment to revolutionizing healthcare access in Africa, Asia, and beyond through education, training, and awareness initiatives. As part of its "More Than a Mother" campaign, Merck Foundation has provided over 2,282 scholarships to young doctors across 52 countries, filling gaps in public healthcare systems in critical fields such as Oncology, Fertility and Reproductive Care, Diabetology, and Respiratory Medicine.

Key Takeaways:

  • Merck Foundation has provided over 2,282 scholarships to young doctors across 52 countries, with a focus on underserved medical specialties such as Oncology, Diabetes, and Fertility.
  • The scholarships are highly significant, as they provide doctors with specialized training, helping to bridge healthcare gaps and improve patient care in underserved communities.
  • The African region has a ratio of only 1.55 health workers, including physicians, nurses, and midwives, per 1,000 people, which is below the WHO threshold density of 4.45 health workers per 1,000 people needed to deliver essential health services.
  • Merck Foundation's Ambassador program, in partnership with Africa's First Ladies, works closely with local partners to build healthcare capacity and address health, social, and economic challenges in developing countries.
  • The organization has launched two animated storybooks and adapted them into engaging films to educate young minds on the importance of a healthy lifestyle and diabetes and hypertension awareness.
  • Merck Foundation also launches awards for the best media, film, fashion designs, and songs on themes related to healthy lifestyle and healthcare awareness.

Statistics:

  • Over 2,282 scholarships have been provided by Merck Foundation to young doctors across 52 countries.
  • The African region has a ratio of 1.55 health workers per 1,000 people.
  • The WHO recommends a threshold density of 4.45 health workers per 1,000 people to deliver essential health services and achieve universal health coverage.
  • 44 critical and underserved medical specialties are included in Merck Foundation's scholarship program.

Sources:

  • M2 PressWIRE, "Dr. Rasha Kelej drives an impactful change in public health landscape in Africa and beyond by providing 2282 scholarships to doctors from 52 countries."
  • World Health Organization (WHO)
  • Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com)