By Memory Kutengule Chatonda

Blantyre, June 18, MANA: The Merck Foundation has awarded more than 2,270 scholarships to medical doctors across Africa and Asia in a bid to strengthen healthcare systems by building capacity in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties.

The announcement was made on Wednesday during the 7th edition of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative (MFFLI) Africa–Asia Summit, currently taking place in Dubai. As the philanthropic wing of Merck KGaA, Germany, the Foundation is collaborating with 52 countries to enhance healthcare systems by offering specialized training to medical professionals.

Speaking at the event, Chairman of the Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, underscored the impact of the scholarships in addressing the shortage of specialized healthcare workers in low- and middle-income countries.

“We are glad that most of the doctors who have benefited from our one and two year specialty scholarships are now becoming the first specialists in their countries,” he said.

He added, “These include fields such as oncology, diabetes, sexual and reproductive medicine, gastroenterology, and internal medicine. They are helping transform the healthcare system from within.”

The initiative aims to address what experts have identified as one of the continent’s persistent challenges a severe shortage of specialists, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

World Health Organization (WHO) has consistently reported that Africa bears 24 percent of the global disease burden but has only 3 percent of the world’s health workforce, making such interventions vital.

Merck Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, emphasized the inclusive nature of the scholarship programme, stating that eligibility is based on merit and not the economic status of the country of origin.

“We continue to work with First Ladies to tackle infertility stigma and empower women, while also prioritizing girls’ education to prevent early marriages and gender-based barriers to academic advancement,” she said.

To date, the Foundation has distributed over 1,000 scholarships and educational materials to girls in 17 African countries. This is part of its “Educating Linda” initiative, which seeks to empower young girls to remain in school and fulfil their potential.

First Lady of Malawi, Madame Monica Chakwera, is one of the Merck More Than a Mother Ambassadors and through her involvement, Malawi continues to benefit from various Merck Foundation programmes, including medical training and awareness campaigns on infertility, gender-based violence, and health equity.

The annual MFFLI summit brings together First Ladies, health experts, and policy makers to promote sustainable healthcare and gender equality in Africa and Asia. The 2025 edition focuses on the impact of capacity building, social change, and the importance of investing in the medical workforce.

Merck Foundation, established in 2017, has grown to become one of the leading philanthropic organizations focusing on capacity building in healthcare, especially in oncology, diabetes care, and women’s health. Its partnerships with African governments and ministries of health continue to make significant strides toward achieving universal health coverage and improving patient outcomes.