Mumbai : Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, celebrated World Heart Day 2024 in collaboration with Africa’s First Ladies, health ministries, medical societies, and academia through their Nationwide Diabetes & Hypertension Blue Points Program. Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, stated, “On World Heart Day 2024, we reaffirm our commitment to building healthcare capacity and improving access to quality cardiovascular care across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.”
Together with their ambassadors, the First Ladies of Africa, and various partners, the foundation has awarded over 830 scholarships for postgraduate diplomas and master’s degrees in Preventative Cardiovascular Medicine, Cardiology, Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Obesity & Weight Management to doctors from 52 countries. Dr. Kelej emphasized the importance of these initiatives in creating a robust network of healthcare experts beyond major urban centers.
“We take great pride in this achievement as we celebrate World Heart Day every day,” she added. In total, the Merck Foundation has provided more than 2,080 scholarships across 44 critical medical specialties. Dr. Kelej reaffirmed their long-term commitment to transforming healthcare for underserved populations.
Dr. Hazel Kariuki, a Merck Foundation alumna from Kenya, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to complete her MSc in Preventative Cardiovascular Medicine, noting that it has significantly enhanced her ability to assess cardiovascular risks and educate her patients.
In response to the high burden of cardiovascular disease in Africa, Merck Foundation has launched several initiatives to raise awareness and promote prevention. These include the release of children’s storybooks and animated films, “Mark’s Pressure” and “Sugar Free Jude,” designed to educate children about hypertension and diabetes.
“We are excited to introduce these animations to encourage healthier lifestyles among children and youth,” Dr. Kelej remarked. The films aim to promote healthy eating, regular exercise, and the importance of avoiding smoking to combat diabetes and hypertension, major risk factors for serious health complications.
The foundation’s pan-African TV program “Our Africa,” co-hosted by Dr. Kelej, features episodes dedicated to diabetes awareness and healthy lifestyle promotion, currently broadcast on KTV in Kenya.
Additionally, Merck Foundation and African First Ladies annually present awards to media professionals, fashion designers, filmmakers, musicians, and emerging talents to promote a healthy lifestyle and awareness about diabetes and hypertension. submission deadline of October 30, 2024.
