Merck Foundation Marks World Heart Day 2026 With 950+ Scholarships
Merck Foundation celebrates World Heart Day 2026 by providing over 950 scholarships to healthcare providers across 52 countries to fight diabetes and heart disease.
To commemorate World Heart Day 2026, the German non-profit organization, Merck Foundation, has announced a massive educational initiative aimed at combating non-communicable diseases. In collaboration with the First Ladies of Africa and Asia, alongside various Ministries of Health and academic institutions, the foundation is providing over 950 scholarships to healthcare professionals across 52 different countries.
This initiative, part of the Nationwide Diabetes & Hypertension Blue Points Program, seeks to bridge the gap in specialized medical care by training the next generation of experts in critical fields such as cardiology, endocrinology, and diabetes management.
Building Local Expertise in Critical Medical Fields
The scholarship program is designed to empower medical professionals through rigorous academic pathways. These include:
- One-Year Online PG Diplomas in specialized fields.
- Two-Year Online Master’s Degrees focusing on Diabetes, Cardiovascular Preventive Care, Endocrinology, Cardiology, and Obesity & Weight Management.
- One-Year Clinical Fellowship Programs for onsite training in Clinical Cardiovascular Care and Clinical Diabetes.
Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO of Merck Foundation, highlighted that the mission is to bring specialized capacity directly to the communities that need it most. By funding training for providers living outside major capital cities, the foundation aims to create a sustainable network of local experts capable of early detection and prevention.
"By providing scholarships for healthcare providers from different parts of countries, beyond the major capital cities, we are helping create local experts who can provide specialized cardiovascular and diabetes care," said Dr. Kelej.
Addressing the Global Burden of Cardiovascular Disease
The urgency of this mission is underscored by data from the World Health Organization (WHO). In the African region alone, cardiovascular diseases have become the primary cause of death among non-communicable diseases, with an estimated 1 million deaths recorded in 2019. A significant challenge remains in hypertension management, where fewer than one-third of those living with the condition receive treatment, and only 12% have it under control.
To combat these statistics, Merck Foundation has expanded its reach to include community awareness programs. These efforts focus on the close link between hypertension and diabetes, promoting lifestyle changes to mitigate these risks.
Impact Through Education: A Success Story
The real-world impact of these scholarships is evident in the lives of alumni like Dr. Husein Jivanji from Kenya. After completing a PG Diploma in Cardiovascular Preventive Medicine through the foundation, he was able to establish a specialized cardiology clinic within the public sector, significantly improving patient management and healthcare access in his local community.
Nurturing Healthy Habits from Childhood
Recognizing that prevention starts early, the Merck Foundation, in partnership with various First Ladies, has introduced educational tools for the younger generation. These include:
- Children’s Storybooks: Titles such as 'Mark’s Pressure' and 'Sugar free Jude' teach children about the dangers of excess salt and sugar.
- Animation Films: The storybooks have been adapted into engaging animations to reach a wider audience of young people.
The goal is to instill healthy habits—such as regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and avoiding smoking—at an early age, empowering children to lead healthier lives as they grow.