ACCRA, Sept 29 (The African Portal) – Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Germany’s Merck KGaA, said on Monday it had provided 925 medical scholarships to doctors from 52 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America to strengthen capacity in cardiovascular and related diseases.
The scholarships cover one-year postgraduate diplomas and two-year master’s degrees in cardiovascular prevention, cardiology, diabetes, endocrinology, clinical nutrition and obesity management, as well as fellowships in diabetes and hypertension. The programmes are offered online in English, French, Portuguese and Spanish.
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The announcement coincided with World Heart Day 2025 and forms part of the foundation’s broader effort to expand access to quality healthcare in underserved regions. Merck Foundation says it has awarded more than 2,400 scholarships in 44 medical specialties since its launch.
“Cardiovascular diseases remain a major health burden in Africa and beyond. Through our partnerships with First Ladies, ministries of health and medical societies, we are building a network of specialists that extends beyond capital cities,” said Merck Foundation chief executive Rasha Kelej.
According to the World Heart Federation, cardiovascular diseases are the second leading cause of death in sub-Saharan Africa, killing more than 1 million people annually, with hypertension accounting for over half of related fatalities.
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In addition to training, Merck Foundation has rolled out community awareness campaigns, including children’s storybooks and animation films such as Mark’s Pressure and Sugar Free Jude, to promote healthy lifestyles and the prevention of diabetes and hypertension.
