The Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, has announced significant strides in strengthening healthcare capacity across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, marking World Heart Day 2025.
In partnership with African and Asian First Ladies, Ministries of Health, Medical Societies and Academia, the Foundation has provided 925 scholarships to doctors from 52 countries. The programmes include one-year postgraduate diplomas, two-year master’s degrees, and clinical fellowships in cardiology, preventive cardiovascular medicine, diabetes, endocrinology, obesity and hypertension. In total, Merck Foundation has awarded more than 2,400 scholarships in 44 underserved medical specialities.
Senator Dr Rasha Kelej, Chief Executive Officer of Merck Foundation, said, “We mark World Heart Day every day through our continuous efforts to strengthen healthcare capacity and expand access to quality care. These scholarships are helping to build a robust network of specialists, reaching beyond major cities and capitals.”
To complement training efforts, the Foundation launched its first children’s storybooks and animated films, Mark’s Pressure and Sugar Free Jude, designed to raise awareness about diabetes, hypertension and healthy lifestyles among young people. The animations encourage exercise, reduced sugar and salt intake, nutritious eating, and avoidance of smoking.
According to the World Heart Federation, cardiovascular diseases are the second leading cause of death in sub-Saharan Africa, claiming over one million lives annually, with high blood pressure contributing to more than half of these deaths.
Merck Foundation has also invited entries for its 2025 Media, Film, Fashion and Song Awards, aimed at promoting healthier living and raising awareness of diabetes and hypertension. The submission deadline is 30 October 2025.
