Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp and HON’BLE KAILASH KUMAR JAGUTPAL, Minister of Health of Mauritius.
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.
I am very happy to bring to you ‘Mark’s Pressure’ and ‘Sugar Free Jude’ the first Animation Films in Africa to raise awareness about Hypertension, Diabetes and to Promote Healthy Lifestyle, amongst children and youth in Africa and beyond. These animation films are adaptation of our children’s storybooks. Through our new animation films, we want to encourage our communities to stop sugar, limit salt intake, exercise regularly, eat healthy and never smoke, this is the only way to eradicate diabetes and hypertension, which are predominant risk factors for the development of several serious complications and heart diseases. These animation films Merck Foundation’s gifts to our communities and partners to mark the “World Heart Day”. I want to remind everyone that good health is our greatest treasure!
Watch the “Mark’s Pressure” Animation movie here:
Watch the “Sugar Free Jude” Animation film here:
Moreover, 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. Please see here.
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.
Kind Regards,
Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej,
CEO of Merck Foundation
