We mark “World Health Day 2025” through our daily efforts in building healthcare capacity and transforming patient care in Africa, Asia and beyond. Together with our Ambassadors, the First Ladies of Africa, and partners including Ministries of Health, Medical Societies and Academia, we have provided more than 2,250 scholarships to doctors from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties such as Oncology, Diabetes, Preventative Cardiovascular Medicine, Endocrinology, Sexual and Reproductive Medicine, Fertility, Respiratory Medicine and many more.
This is significantly contributing to improving access to quality healthcare across underserved communities. Many of our scholarship recipients are becoming the first specialists in their countries, including nations like The Gambia, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Burundi, Niger and Chad where such expertise was previously unavailable. I take great pride in this remarkable achievement; this is how we celebrate World Health Day at Merck Foundation every day.
This year’s theme, “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,” aligns perfectly with our initiatives to educate communities about healthy lifestyles, diabetes prevention and hypertension awareness. In partnership with Africa’s First Ladies, we have launched “Sugar Free Jude” and “Mark’s Pressure” – our first animation films in Africa to promote health awareness among children and youth.
Through these films, we encourage communities to adopt healthy habits: reducing sugar and salt intake, exercising regularly, eating nutritious foods and avoiding smoking. These lifestyle changes are essential to prevent diabetes and hypertension, which are major risk factors for serious health complications.
Merck Foundation also annually launches Awards for Media, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers, Musicians and emerging talents to promote health awareness in their communities. We invite all creative professionals to participate in this important initiative.
Watch Sugar Free Jude Animation Film:
Watch Mark’s Pressure Animation Film:
I am pleased to announce our Call for Applications for 2025 Scholarships, with special focus on female doctors. These include one-year diploma and two-year master degree programs in 44 critical specialties, available both as on-site fellowships and online courses.
Over the past 13 years, we have remained committed to transforming healthcare in underserved communities. We will continue our efforts until we see significant improvements in patient care across all vulnerable populations.
Good health remains our greatest treasure – let us all work together to protect and promote it.
Kind regards,
Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej
CEO of Merck Foundation
