Twenty seven African countries, including Ghana, have benefited from specialised oncology training under a partnership between the Merck Foundation and Tata Memorial Centre (TMC).
Aimed at strengthening cancer care and addressing the shortage of oncology specialists across the continent, the initiative has so far awarded 141 scholarships to doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals, equipping them with advanced skills in cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and management.
Speaking at the opening of the 13th Merck Foundation Africa-Asia Luminary 2026, the Director of Tata Memorial Centre, Prof Dr Sudeep Gupta, said the programme was making a significant contribution to improving access to quality and equitable cancer care, particularly in underserved communities.
“The vision of our partnership with the Merck Foundation and African governments is to improve access to quality cancer care and address the scarcity of trained healthcare professionals capable of cancer prevention, early diagnosis, treatment and management,” he stated.
Prof. Gupta explained that modern cancer care requires a multidisciplinary approach involving doctors, nurses, laboratory scientists, radiologists, pathologists and researchers working together to deliver comprehensive treatment for patients.
He said the scholarship programme, launched in 2016, had provided specialised training in a wide range of oncology disciplines, including medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology, paediatric oncology, gynaecological oncology, interventional radiology, orthopaedic oncology, haematological cancers, pathology and palliative care.
The programme has also trained healthcare professionals in oncology nursing, laboratory technology, radiation technology, advanced cytopathology and oncology research.
According to Prof. Gupta, the impact of the initiative extends beyond the classroom, as beneficiaries return to their home countries to strengthen national health systems and improve cancer services.
“At the end of the day, it is not about numbers alone. It is about mothers, fathers, sisters and young people whose lives are transformed because they have access to better healthcare and treatment,” he said.
Describing the collaboration as a successful model of international cooperation in healthcare capacity building, Prof. Gupta said Tata Memorial Centre remained committed to supporting African countries in building sustainable oncology services.
He disclosed that the centre recorded about 130,000 new cancer patients in the most recent calendar year, with the majority coming from underprivileged backgrounds.
“We understand what it means to provide care to those who need it most. Our commitment is to deliver the highest standards of service, education and research in oncology while addressing the needs of local populations,” he noted.
Prof. Gupta expressed gratitude to the Chief Executive Officer of the Merck Foundation, Dr Rasha Kelej, African First Ladies and participating governments for their support in advancing cancer care across Africa.
He added that the partnership had not only benefited African countries but had also enriched India and Tata Memorial Centre through the exchange of knowledge, expertise and culture.
For her part, the Chief Executive Officer of the Merck Foundation, Dr Rasha Kelej, reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to strengthening healthcare capacity in Africa through specialist medical training and education.
She said the Foundation would continue working with governments, healthcare institutions and development partners to build a network of highly skilled healthcare professionals capable of improving cancer care and health outcomes across the continent.
Dr Kelej noted that investing in healthcare professionals remained one of the most effective ways to improve access to quality healthcare and reduce the burden of diseases, including cancer, in Africa.
