Senator Dr Rasha Kelej, Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp together with the African First Ladies.
At Merck Foundation, we mark ‘World Diabetes Day’ through our effortsevery day by providing scholarships for young doctors to transform the patient care landscape in the fields of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Hypertension- conditions that are closely linked, and by raising awareness in communities about leading a healthy lifestyle, prevention early detection and management of these conditions.
I am very proud to share together with our Ambassadors, the First Ladies of Africa, and partners, we have till date we have provided 830 scholarships to doctors from 52 countries of One-year PG Diploma and Two-year Master degree in Diabetes, Hypertension, Preventative Cardiovascular, Cardiology, Endocrinology and Obesity & Weight Management, and also a special 3-month Diabetes Mastercourse in English, French, Portuguese and Spanish.
Merck Foundation scholarships are making a substantial impact on expanding access to diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular care. These scholarships are provided to young local doctors not only in capital cities but also in regions beyond, helping to build a strong network of experts and ensuring that specialized care reaches more communities. After graduation, these doctors can establish diabetes clinics in their Health Centers or Hospitals. Many diabetes clinics have been established since the start of this program. I take immense pride in this significant achievement.
Merck Foundation has overall provided more than 2080 scholarships to doctors from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties. Therefore, as a part of their Community Awareness Program, Merck Foundation has launched various initiatives aimed at raising awareness and promoting prevention about Diabetes and Hypertension. In partnership with African First Ladies, Merck Foundation has released children’s storybooks and adapted Animation Films “Mark’s Pressure” and “Sugar Free Jude”.
Watch the “Mark’s Pressure” Animation movie here:
Watch the “Sugar Free Jude” Animation film here:
I am thrilled to share ‘Mark’s Pressure’ and ‘Sugar Free Jude’— the first Animation Films in Africa that are aimed at raising awareness on hypertension, diabetes, and promoting a healthy lifestyle among children and youth across the continent and beyond. These films are adaptations of our children’s storybooks, designed to inspire communities to reduce sugar, limit salt intake, stay active, eat healthily, and avoid smoking. These animated films are Merck Foundation’s special contribution and gifts to our communities and partners in honor of World Diabetes Day. I want to remind everyone that good health is our most valuable asset!
We have also released three Songs in three languages named ‘NO More Diabetes, Sugar Free’ in English, ‘Dites non au Diabète’ in French and ‘Chega de Diabete’ in Portuguese. And has also released the remix version in the three languages.
Link to the remix song here:
Merck Foundation’s pan-African TV program “Our Africa”, that is conceptualized, produced, directed, and co-hosted by me features African Fashion Designers, Singers, and prominent experts from various domains with the aim to raise awareness about social and health issues, and has episodes dedicated to raise awareness about Diabetes and Promoting Healthy Lifestyle.
Watch the Episode about Diabetes Awareness here:
Watch the Episode about Promoting Healthy Lifestyle here:
Additionally, Merck Foundation together with African First Ladies, annually launches Awards for Media, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers, Musicians, Singers, and emerging talents from these fields to Promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension, see here.
Kind Regards,
Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej,
CEO of Merck Foundation
One of the 100 Most Influential African Women (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 & 2023)
