By Ojoma Akor
Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, has provided over 2,600 scholarships for healthcare providers from 52 countries in Africa and Asia.
Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and Chairperson of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary, disclosed this during the 13th edition of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2026. The conference was attended by the foundation’s chairman, 12 First Ladies of Africa and Asia, and other key partners.
Dr. Kelej said the scholarships were awarded across 44 critical and underserved medical specialties.
She said, “I am proud to share that Merck Foundation has provided more than 2600 scholarships for healthcare providers from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved specialties.
“Many of our foundation’s 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 said that of the 2,600+ scholarships provided by the foundation, more than 800 have been for healthcare providers in fertility, embryology, sexual and reproductive medicine, clinical psychiatry, women’s health, urology, laparoscopic surgical skills, and family medicine. These scholarships are helping strengthen fertility care services and improving access to women’s health across 42 countries.”
The annual conference was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees.
Prof. Haverkamp said, “I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the First Ladies of Africa and Asia who joined us as Guests of Honor, as well as to the ministers, healthcare experts, policymakers, government officials, academia, media representatives, and all our partners for their unwavering support and collaboration.
“ At Merck Foundation, we remain committed to improving health and well-being by building healthcare capacity and expanding access to quality, equitable healthcare across Africa, Asia, and beyond. Together, we will continue advancing our vision of a world where everyone can lead a healthy and happy life.”
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, said the Merck Foundation has provided 91 scholarships for Nigerian healthcare providers in 44 critical and underserved specialties.
The First Lady said the initiative was helping to bridge gaps in healthcare delivery and improve patient care outcomes nationwide.
She also said that 42 Nigerian healthcare providers received training in diabetes, endocrinology, cardiology, preventive cardiovascular medicine, and obesity management, adding that 20 others were trained in infertility, embryology, and sexual and reproductive health.
According to her, 11 healthcare providers received scholarships in medical oncology, neurology, pain management, acute medicine, family medicine, and infectious diseases. In contrast, 16 healthcare workers received training in geriatric care, critical care, dermatology, respiratory medicine, and rheumatology.
Two important occasions were marked during the 13th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary: the 9th Anniversary of Merck Foundation and the 14th anniversary of Merck Foundation’s development programs, which began in 2012.