Merck Foundation has provided 59 scholarships to young healthcare professionals in various medical programmes.
This is part of the foundation’s 2,600 scholarships to healthcare providers from 52 countries across Africa and Asia.
According to the Chief Executive Officer for Merck Foundation, Rasha Kelej, this is part of efforts to strengthen healthcare systems, improve patient care and address critical shortages of medical specialists.
Kelej disclosed this during the 13th edition of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2026, held virtually from June 18 to 19.
Kalej said these health workers were drawn from 44 critical and underserved medical specialties and have helped address shortages of specialists in many countries.
He said the initiative has facilitated more than 800 scholarships in fertility, embryology, sexual and reproductive medicine, women’s health and related fields, helping to strengthen reproductive healthcare services in 42 countries.
Beyond healthcare, the Foundation, through its Educating Linda Programme implemented in partnership with African First Ladies, has provided more than 1,550 annual scholarships to underprivileged schoolgirls across Africa.
Of these, 20 scholarships have benefited Malawian girls, covering essential educational expenses such as books, uniforms and transport to support them in completing their secondary education.
Chairperson of the Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, said the organisation remains committed to strengthening healthcare capacity and expanding access to equitable healthcare through partnerships with governments, First Ladies and other stakeholders.
He commended participating countries and partners for supporting programmes aimed at improving health outcomes and creating sustainable healthcare systems.
The conference also highlighted the Foundation’s “More Than a Mother” campaign as part of activities marking World Infertility Awareness Month.
The two-day conference brought together First Ladies, healthcare experts, policymakers, government officials, academics and media practitioners from across the two continents to discuss health, education and social development initiatives.
