Merck Foundation in partnership with African First Ladies and ministries of health and medical societies have provided provided 2080 Scholarships for African health professionals.
The scholarships include 830 Scholarships of one-year Post-Graduate Diploma and two-year Master Degree in Preventative Cardiovascular Medicine, Cardiology, Diabetes, Endocrinology and Obesity and Weight Management to doctors from 52 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
A total of 2080 scholarships have been provided by Merck Foundation to doctors from 52 countries in 44critical and underserved medical specialties such as Oncology, Sexual and Reproductive Care, Acute Medicine, Respiratory Medicine, Embryology & Fertility specialty, Gastroenterology, Dermatology, and Psychiatry, according to the information the Foundation disseminated to the media.
The fields also include: Emergency and Resuscitation Medicine, Critical Care, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Neonatal Medicine, Advanced Surgical Practice, General Surgery, Clinical Microbiology and infectious diseases, Internal Medicine, Trauma & Orthopedics.
Merck Foundation has released the First Animation films “Mark’s Pressure”, and “Sugar Free Jude”, which are adapted from their Children storybooks with the aim to raise awareness about early detection and prevention of Hypertension and Diabetes (which are corelated) and to Promote Healthy Lifestyle, amongst children and youth in Africa and beyond.
Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany marks ‘World Heart Day 2024’ in partnership with Africa’s First Ladies, Ministries of Health, Medical Societies, and Academia, through their Nationwide Diabetes & Hypertension Blue Points Program.
Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation emphasized, “We mark “World Heart Day 2024” through our daily efforts in building healthcare capacity and improving access to quality and equitable Cardiovascular Preventative care, Cardiology, Hypertension and Diabetes, which are all co-related, in Africa, Asia & Latin America.
Together with our Ambassadors, The First Ladies of Africa, and partners like Ministries of Health, Medical Societies and Academia, we have till today provided more than 830 scholarships to doctors from 52 countries of One-year PG Diploma and Two-year Master degree in Preventative Cardiovascular, Cardiology, Diabetes, Endocrinology and Obesity & Weight Management, and also a special 3-month Diabetes Mastercourse in English, French, Portuguese and Spanish.
“This is significantly contributing to improving access to cardiovascular and diabetes care which are correlated. These scholarships have been awarded to young doctors to create a strong network of experts across the countries, extending beyond just the capitals and major cities. I take great pride in this remarkable achievement; this is how we celebrate World Heart Day at Merck Foundation every day.”
Merck Foundation has in total provided more than 2080 scholarships to doctors from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties.
“Over the past 12 years, we are committed to improving the lives of people. In this spirit, we will continue our efforts until we significantly transform patient care landscape in underserved and vulnerable populations,” Dr. Rasha Kelej added.
Dr. Hazel Kariuki, Merck Foundation Alumnus from Kenya shares, “I would like to extend my gratitude to Merck Foundation for giving me the opportunity to pursue and complete my MSc in Preventative Cardiovascular Medicine. I now feel confident in assessing my patients’ cardiovascular risk profiles and implementing evidence-based interventions to reduce those risks. Additionally, I am better equipped to educate and communicate with my patients about their treatment plans and the lifestyle changes that will benefit them the most”.
According to the World Heart Federation, Africa, with over 1 billion people, is a significant contributor to the global burden of cardiovascular disease. Therefore, Merck Foundation has launched various initiatives aimed at raising awareness and promoting prevention.