Dr. Rasha Kelej and African & Asian First Ladies Strengthen Cardiovascular Care with 997 Specialized Scholarships on World Hypertension Day
In a significant initiative to combat hypertension and diabetes, the Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, has marked World Hypertension Day 2026 by collaborating with the First Ladies of Africa and Asia. This partnership aims to enhance healthcare access through the Nationwide Diabetes & Hypertension Blue Points Program, which provides specialized scholarships to healthcare professionals across the regions.
Expanding Access to Healthcare Education
Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of the Merck Foundation, emphasized the organization’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery. “At Merck Foundation, we mark World Hypertension Day by expanding access to quality and equitable care in Hypertension, Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Cardiovascular Preventive Care,” she stated. The initiative has successfully awarded nearly 1,000 scholarships to young healthcare providers from 52 countries. These scholarships include one-year online postgraduate diplomas and two-year online master’s degrees in critical areas such as Diabetes, Cardiovascular Preventive Care, and Obesity Weight Management.
The scholarships are designed to reach healthcare professionals beyond urban centers, thereby enhancing the capacity of healthcare systems across the nations involved. This approach is crucial, especially in regions where healthcare resources are limited.
Addressing a Growing Health Crisis
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the African region has the highest prevalence of hypertension, affecting approximately 27% of adults. This alarming statistic underscores the urgency of initiatives like those spearheaded by the Merck Foundation. The foundation has provided over 2,600 scholarships across 44 critical and underserved medical specialties, aiming to build a robust healthcare workforce capable of addressing these public health challenges.
Dr. Hazel W. Kariuki, a Merck Foundation alumnus from Kenya, shared her transformative experience with the scholarship program. She noted that the training significantly enhanced her clinical knowledge and practical skills in cardiovascular and diabetes care, enabling her to improve healthcare services in her community.
Community Awareness Initiatives
In addition to educational scholarships, the Merck Foundation has launched community awareness programs in partnership with the First Ladies of Africa and Asia. This includes the release of children’s storybooks titled ‘Mark’s Pressure’ and ‘Sugar Free Jude’, aimed at educating families about hypertension and diabetes. These resources encourage healthier lifestyle choices, which are essential for preventing these conditions.
The foundation has also adapted these storybooks into engaging animation films. Dr. Kelej highlighted the importance of educating children and youth about healthy habits, such as reducing salt and sugar intake and exercising regularly. “Small changes today can lead to a healthier tomorrow,” she emphasized.
Media and Cultural Engagement
The Merck Foundation’s pan-African TV program, “Our Africa,” serves as another platform for raising awareness about health issues, including hypertension and diabetes. Conceptualized and co-hosted by Dr. Kelej, the program features African fashion designers, singers, and experts, aiming to engage the public on social and health matters. Episodes dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles are broadcasted across national and prime TV stations in various African countries, including Burundi, Botswana, Ghana, and Kenya.
Awards to Promote Healthy Lifestyles
To further encourage community engagement, the Merck Foundation, in collaboration with African First Ladies, annually launches awards recognizing excellence in media, fashion, film, and music. These awards aim to promote healthy lifestyles and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of diabetes and hypertension.
The Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards 2026 invites media representatives to showcase impactful work that promotes health awareness. Similarly, the Merck Foundation Film Awards 2026 encourages filmmakers to create compelling narratives that highlight these critical health issues. The Fashion Awards and Song Awards also invite designers and musicians to contribute creatively to this cause.
Submission Details
Entries for all awards must be submitted via email by October 30, 2026. This initiative not only fosters creativity but also empowers local talent to contribute to public health messaging.
Conclusion
The collaborative efforts of the Merck Foundation and the First Ladies of Africa and Asia represent a comprehensive approach to tackling hypertension and diabetes. By focusing on education, community awareness, and cultural engagement, these initiatives aim to create a healthier future for millions across the regions involved.
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