Merck Foundation marks World Diabetes Day by awarding 2,080 scholarships to 52 countries, 830 of which are for diabetes and hypertension

Accra [Ghana]/ Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India]14 November: The Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Germany’s Merck KGaA, joins Africa’s first ladies, ministries of health, medical societies and academia to celebrate World Diabetes Day 2024 through the National Blue Dot Initiative for Diabetes and Hypertension .

Senator Rasha Kelej, Ph.D., CEO of the Merck Foundation, emphasized: “At the Merck Foundation, we mark World Diabetes Day by working every day to provide scholarships for young doctors to transform the fields of diabetes, endocrinology, and diabetes The patient care landscape of Hypertension – closely related diseases, prevention, early detection and management of these diseases by increasing community awareness about healthy lifestyles.

I am very proud to share with our Ambassadors, First Ladies of Africa and partners that to date we have awarded 830 scholarships to doctors from 52 countries for one year PG Diploma and two year Diabetes, Hypertension Master’s Degree, Preventive Cardiovascular, Cardiology, Endocrinology and Obesity and Weight Management, as well as a special 3-month Master’s Course in Diabetes (English, French, Portuguese and Spanish). ”

Merck Foundation scholarships have had a significant impact on expanding access to diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular care. Offered not only to young local doctors in provincial capitals but also from other regions, these scholarships help build a strong network of experts and ensure that specialized care reaches more communities.

“After graduation, these doctors can establish diabetes clinics in their health centers or hospitals. Since the inception of this program, many diabetes clinics have been established. I am very proud of this significant achievement,” added Dr. Kelej.

Dr. Mwamba Katema, a Merck Foundation alumnus from Zambia, said: “Through the Graduate Diploma in Diabetes program, I was exposed to the most up-to-date, well-researched, evidence-based information on diabetes and its management, including all aspects of my disease. Additionally, due to With my newfound knowledge, I am establishing a diabetes clinic so that patients from my clinic and surrounding facilities can receive services at our clinic to help relieve congestion at the main hospital and reduce patient transportation costs and wait times, thereby improving patient care. Adherence to treatment and reduced incidence of diabetes complications.”

In total, the Merck Foundation has awarded more than 2,080 scholarships to physicians in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties in 52 countries. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 45 million adults (20-79 years old) in the African region are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and it is estimated that this number may reach 110 million by 2045. Undiagnosed diabetes has the highest rates, with 70% of adults living with the disease without knowing it. Therefore, as part of its community awareness program, the Merck Foundation has launched various initiatives to raise awareness and promote prevention of diabetes and hypertension.

The CEO of the Merck Foundation has released a song “No More Sugar” written and performed by her and Ghanaian singer Cwezi Oteng. The song was launched during the recently concluded Merck Foundation’s 11th Annual Africa-Asia Luminaries Conference, which was attended by First Ladies of 15 African and Asian countries.

The Merck Foundation partners with Africa’s first ladies to release children’s storybooks and animated film adaptations of “Mark’s Pressure” and “Sugar Jude.”

“I’m excited to share Mark’s Pressure and Jude the Sugar – Africa’s first animated film to raise awareness about hypertension, diabetes and promote awareness among children and teenagers on the continent and beyond Healthy Lifestyles. Based on our children’s storybooks, these animated films are designed to inspire communities to reduce sugar, limit salt intake, stay active, eat healthily and avoid smoking. These animated films are a gift from the Merck Foundation to our communities and. A special tribute to our partners for their contributions and gifts. I want to remind everyone that health is our most precious asset!” said Dr. Kelley.

Watch the “Mark’s Pressure” animated film here:

Watch the “Jude Sugar Free” animated film here: The Merck Foundation has also released three songs in three languages, “NO More Diabetes, Sugar Free” in English, “Dites non au Diabete” in French and “Dites non au Diabete” in Portuguese Chega de Diabete”. Remixes in three languages ​​have also been released. Link to the remix here: The Merck Foundation’s pan-African television show Our Africa, conceived, produced, directed and co-hosted by Senator Rasha Kelej, Ph.D., CEO of the Merck Foundation, features African fashion Featuring designers, singers and celebrities. Experts from various fields aim to raise awareness of social and health issues and host programs dedicated to raising awareness about diabetes and promoting healthy lifestyles. Watch the episode about diabetes awareness here:

Watch the episode about promoting a healthy lifestyle here: The TV show is currently airing on NBC Namibia every Wednesday at 07:00 pm.

“Our Africa” is also available on the social media accounts of Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube) and the Merck Foundation (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube).

In addition, the Merck Foundation and Africa’s First Ladies present annual awards to media, fashion designers, filmmakers, musicians, singers and emerging talents in these fields to promote healthy lifestyles and raise awareness of prevention and early childhood Discover diabetes and hypertension awareness.

Award details: 1. 2025 Merck Foundation Media Recognition Award “Diabetes & Hypertension”: Media representatives are invited to present their work through powerful and impactful messages to promote healthy lifestyles and raise awareness of prevention and Awareness for early detection of diabetes and hypertension.

Submission deadline: October 30, 2025.

2. 2025 Merck Foundation Film Prize “Diabetes and Hypertension”: All African filmmakers, students from film production training institutions or young African talents are invited to create and share long or short films, which can be dramas or documentaries or documentaries’ powerful and impactful messages promoting healthy lifestyles that raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of diabetes and hypertension.

Submission deadline: October 30, 2025.

3. Merck Foundation Fashion Awards 2025 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: All African fashion students and designers are invited to create and share designs that deliver powerful and impactful messages that promote healthy lifestyles and raise awareness of prevention and awareness of early detection of diabetes and hypertension.

Submission deadline: October 30, 2025.

4. 2025 Merck Foundation Song Prize “Diabetes and Hypertension”: All African singers and music artists are invited to write and share a song aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles and raising awareness of the prevention and early detection of diabetes and hypertension understanding.

Submission deadline: October 30, 2025.

Entries for all awards must be submitted via email to: submit@merck-foundation.com

Click the link below to download the Merck Foundation App

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