Merck Foundation and African First Ladies Expand Oncology Care with 258 Scholarships Across 34 Countries

Lusaka: Merck Foundation, in collaboration with African First Ladies and Ministries of Health, has marked 'World Cancer Day 2026' by advancing cancer care capacity through 258 cancer care scholarships distributed across 34 countries.According to African Press Organization, the initiative aims to address the critical shortage of trained oncology specialists in Africa. This effort is part of the Merck Foundation's Cancer Access Program, which seeks to increase the number of oncologists and establish multidisciplinary cancer care teams across the continent. The scholarships cover one-year clinical training in various oncology sub-specialties and postgraduate diplomas and master's degrees in cancer and clinical oncology, medical oncology, and pain management from universities in the UK.Merck Foundation is making historical strides by training the first African oncologists and cancer care teams in countries such as The Gambia, Sierra Leone, and Burundi. The foundation, led by Chairman and CEO Senator Dr. Rash a Kelej (Ret.), has also released the "Ray of Hope" children's storybook and animation film to raise cancer awareness. The storybook and film, available in three languages, emphasize the importance of early detection and access to trained cancer care teams.Dr. Kelej noted that the foundation has provided over 2,500 scholarships to healthcare providers from 52 countries in 44 underserved specialties. The focus on oncology is particularly critical, given WHO data indicating Africa experiences approximately 1.1 million new cancer cases and 700,000 cancer deaths annually. The scholarships are vital in addressing late diagnosis and limited access to care, which contribute to higher cancer mortality rates in Africa compared to other regions.Dr. Judith Mkwaila, a Merck Foundation alumna from Malawi, exemplifies the impact of these scholarships. After completing a Surgical Oncology fellowship in India, she became the first female Chief Surgeon at Mzuzu Central Hospital. Her experience highlights the foundation's role in equipping medical professionals with the knowledge and skills needed for comprehensive cancer treatment.Merck Foundation remains dedicated to transforming cancer care in Africa, fostering a healthier future for the continent through education and awareness.