Merck Foundation Marks World Health Day with 2,600 Healthcare Scholarships

The Merck Foundation, the charitable arm of Merck KGaA, marked World Health Day 2026 by highlighting its efforts to transform healthcare systems across Africa, Asia and beyond through large-scale scholarship and capacity-building programmes.

The foundation announced that it has provided more than 2,600 scholarships to healthcare professionals from 52 countries, covering 44 critical and underserved medical specialties. These scholarships aim to address the shortage of trained medical personnel and improve access to quality healthcare in underserved communities.

CEO Rasha Kelej said the initiative has helped train a new generation of specialists, with many graduates becoming the first experts in their fields in countries such as Namibia, Liberia, The Gambia, Burundi, Malawi, Sierra Leone, Zambia, Ethiopia and Bangladesh.

Kelej stressed that the lack of trained healthcare providers remains one of the most pressing challenges facing developing countries, particularly in Africa. According to global health data, the continent carries a significant share of the global disease burden while having a limited number of healthcare workers per capita, a gap that directly affects health outcomes.

The scholarships programme focuses on equipping doctors with advanced clinical skills, including fellowships, specialised training and postgraduate degrees, helping to strengthen national healthcare systems and expand access to specialised care.

The foundation works in partnership with First Ladies from African and Asian countries, ministries of health and education, and academic and research institutions to support healthcare capacity building and address broader social and economic challenges.

In addition to medical training, the foundation promotes women and youth empowerment through science and technology initiatives, including its STEM programme and the Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit awards, which recognise outstanding researchers across the continent.

Kelej also announced the opening of applications for the 2026 scholarships, with a particular focus on supporting women medical graduates. The programmes include on-site fellowships, clinical training, and diploma and master’s degrees in key medical fields.

She said the initiative aligns with this year’s World Health Day theme, “Together for health. Stand with science,” reflecting the foundation’s commitment to strengthening healthcare systems through education, innovation and international cooperation.