Merck Foundation , the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany marks ‘World Diabetes 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.
Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, emphasized, “At Merck Foundation, we mark World Diabetes Day every day through our strong commitment to transforming Diabetes, Endocrinology, Hypertension, Cardiology, and Preventive Cardiovascular care (co-related conditions) across Africa, Asia, and beyond. Our goal is to build a future where early detection, effective treatment, and healthy lifestyles become the norm, by empowering local doctors and communities through knowledge and specialized training.
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 healthcare providers from 52 countries of Online One-year PG Diploma and Two-year Master degree in Diabetes, Endocrinology, Cardiovascular Preventive, Cardiology, 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 capitals.”
Merck Foundation has in total provided more than 2400 scholarships for healthcare providers from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties.
Dr. Life Zambezi, Merck Foundation Alumnus from Zimbabwe shares, “I am grateful for being offered the PG Diploma course in Diabetes Management. Through this course, I was able to increase my knowledge and turn my passion for treating diabetes into impactful action. This course has further helped me establish a Diabetes Clinic at the district hospital, which has brought relief to many patients. The learning I gained through the PG Diploma has enabled me to serve my community better and raise awareness about the importance of a healthy lifestyle.”
Speaking about Merck Foundation’s efforts to improve diabetes care, Dr. Rasha Kelej shared, “We are providing scholarships to local doctors not only in capital cities but also in remote and underserved areas. This empowers them to establish diabetes centers or clinics within their hospitals, ensuring access to quality diabetes care for all communities and raising awareness about prevention, early detection, and effective management.”
According to a World Health Organization (WHO) Diabetes Report, around 24 million adults (aged 20–79) in the African region were living with diabetes in 2021. Projections indicate that this number could increase by 129%, reaching 55 million by 2045. Furthermore, Africa has the highest rate of undiagnosed diabetes, with 54% of adults living with the condition unaware of their status.
Therefore, as a part of their Community Awareness Program, Merck Foundation has launched various initiatives aimed at raising awareness and promoting prevention early detection and management of about Diabetes and Hypertension.
Merck Foundation CEO has composed and sung an impactful song “No More Sugar” together with Ghanian Singer Cwezi Oteng. Listen to “No More Sugar” song here: https://apo-opa.co/449ZmXs
In partnership with African and Asian First Ladies, Merck Foundation has released children’s storybooks and adapted Animation Films “Sugar Free Jude” and “Mark’s Pressure”, inspiring the communities to reduce sugar consumption, limit salt intake, stay active, eat healthily, 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 generations to lead healthier lives,” added Dr. Kelej.
