Dr. Rasha Kelej Drives Impactful Change in Cardiovascular Preventive, Cardiology, Hypertension, and Diabetes Care Across Africa and Beyond by Empowering Local Doctors Through 925 Merck foundation Scholarships from 52 Countries

(MENAFN- News.Africa-Wire) Merck Foundation (), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany marks ‘World He’rt Day 2025’ in partnership with First Ladies of Africa and Asia, Ministries of Health, Medical Societies, and Academia, through their Nationwide Diabetes & Hypertension Blue Points Program.

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundatio“ emphasized, “At Merck Foundation, we mark World Heart Day every day Cardiology, Cardiovascular Preventive, Hypertension, and Diabetes, across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

I am proud to share that, in partnership with our Ambassadors, The First Ladies of Africa & Asia and partners like Ministries of Health, Medical Societies and Academia, we have provided 925 scholarships for doctors from 52 countries of Online One-year PG Diploma and Two-year Master degree in Cardiovascular Preventive, Cardiology, Diabetes, Endocrinology, Clinical Nutrition and Obesity & Weight Management; One Year clinical Fellowship program for Diabetes and Hypertension; and also a special 3-month Diabetes Mastercourse in English, French, Portuguese and Spanish These scholarships are helping to build a robust network of specialists, reaching beyond major cities and capita”s”.

Merck Foundation has in total provided more than 2500 scholarships for doctors from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties.

Dr. Nakigunda Kiroga, Merck Foundation Alumnus from Tanzania shares, “I am deeply grateful to Merck Foundation for the opportunity to pursue PG Diploma and MSc in Cardi logy. The training program has strengthened my confidence in assessing p’tients’ cardiovascular risks and applying evidence-based interventions to reduce them. It has also helped to brace my research capabilities. Moreover, the training program has also equipped me to better educate and guide my patients on their treatment plans and the lifestyle changes that will most benefit the”r health”.

According to the World Heart Federation, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the second leading cause of death in sub-Saharan Africa, claiming the lives of over 1 million people every year. Alarmingly, high blood pressure is responsible for more than half of all CVD-related deaths on the continent, highlighting the urgent need for preventive measures and increased awareness around cardiovascular health.

Therefore, Merck Foundation has launched a range of community awareness initiatives aimed at promoting healthy lifestyle, and emphasizing the prevention, early detection, and effective management of diabetes and hypertension.

In partnership with African First Ladies, Merck Foundation has released children’s storybooks and adapted animation Films
“On the occasion of World Heart Day 2025, I am excited to share …#8217;Mark’s Pressure’ and ‘Sugar Free Jude’, the first animation films in Africa designed to raise awareness about hypertension, diabetes, and the importance of healthy lifestyles among children and youth across the continent and beyond. These films are ada’tations of our children’s storybooks and aim to inspire communities to reduce sugar and salt intake, exercise regularly, eat nutritious foods, and avoid smoking. By promoting these habits, we can tackle diabetes and hypertension which are the major risk factors for serious complications and heart disease and empower future generatio”s to lead healthier lives”. Added Senator Dr. Kelej.

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