Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO of Merck Foundation with Merck Foundation Alumni
The Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, has commemorated World Hypertension Day 2025 by reinforcing its commitment to improving access to quality and equitable healthcare for hypertension, diabetes, and related cardiovascular conditions across Africa and other regions.
This year’s observance is highlighted by continuing the foundation’s “Nationwide Diabetes & Hypertension Blue Points Program,” which collaborates with Africa’s First Ladies, Ministries of Health, medical societies, and academic institutions.
Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, emphasized the foundation’s ongoing investment in health capacity building.
“At Merck Foundation, we observe ‘World Hypertension Day’ by expanding access to quality and equitable care in Hypertension, Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Cardiovascular preventive care, which are all co-related, by providing scholarships for young doctors from across Africa and beyond,” she said.
The Foundation has provided more than 860 scholarships for young doctors from 52 countries.
These scholarships include One-Year Online Postgraduate Diplomas and Two-Year Online Master’s Degrees in specialties such as Diabetes, Preventative Cardiovascular Medicine, Endocrinology, Cardiology, and Obesity & Weight Management.
In addition, onsite fellowships in Clinical Cardiovascular Care and Clinical Diabetes are offered in India, along with a specialized three-month Diabetes Mastercourse available in English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish.
“What is special about these scholarships is that they have been provided not only to doctors from capital cities, but also to those from across the country, ensuring wider geographic coverage of healthcare capacity. We remain committed to continuing our efforts to improve healthcare capacity and access to hypertension and diabetes care,” Dr. Kelej added.
To date, the Merck Foundation has awarded more than 2,270 scholarships to doctors from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties.
Dr. Dzifa Ahadzi, a Merck Foundation alumnus from Ghana, spoke about the impact of the training. “I have completed my Postgraduate Diploma in Cardiology and am currently pursuing an MSc in Cardiology.
Being a practicing cardiologist, this program has provided me with the opportunity to consolidate my knowledge and apply current advances in cardiovascular care to my clinical practice,” said Dr. Ahadzi.
She also highlighted the real-world benefits of the program. “Since completing the PG Diploma in Cardiology, I have been involved in establishing a Heart Failure clinic in my hospital that caters to the needs of a diverse population of Heart Failure patients including women with Postpartum cardiomyopathy and Cardio-oncology patients,” she said.
She added: “I am extremely grateful to Merck Foundation for the support and exposure it has provided me. It has inspired me and helped me to improve cardiovascular care amongst the population that I serve.”
According to the World Health Organization, the African region has the highest prevalence of hypertension globally, with approximately 27% of adults affected.
In response, Merck Foundation has also invested in community awareness efforts to promote early detection and management of diabetes and hypertension, as well as the adoption of healthier lifestyles.
Among its awareness tools is a storybook and animation film titled Mark’s Pressure, launched in partnership with the First Ladies of Africa. “I believe early education is key to building a healthier community.
Through our storybook and animation film, Mark’s Pressure, we aim to instill healthy habits in children and youth, like reducing salt and sugar, eating well, exercising, and avoiding smoking.
I believe that this is the only way to prevent and manage hypertension and diabetes, which are major risk factors for many serious complications and illnesses,” said Dr. Kelej.
The animation film Mark’s Pressure can be viewed online: https://apo-opa.co/4jQBfmC
The foundation’s Pan-African television program, Our Africa, conceptualized, produced, directed, and co-hosted by Dr. Kelej, also features episodes focused on diabetes awareness and healthy living.
The show is broadcast on national and prime TV stations in countries such as Ghana, Kenya, The Gambia, Zambia, and Malawi, and is also available online via Merck Foundation’s social media channels.
Episodes are accessible here:
https://apo-opa.co/4dkYWkp
