Merck Foundation Chairman CEO and African First Ladies released Ray of Hope children storybook for Cancer Awareness in three language
As cancer rates rise across the Global South, a new partnership between Merck Foundation and African First Ladies is using the power of storytelling to drive awareness and action.
Their latest release, a children’s storybook and animated film titled “Ray of Hope,” aims to demystify cancer, promote early detection, and highlight the importance of access to quality care, especially for children.
Launched during the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative (MFFLI) Committee Meeting, held as part of the 12th Edition of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary in The Gambia, the campaign brought together First Ladies from Burundi, Central Africa, The Gambia, Liberia, Nigeria, São Tomé & Príncipe, and Senegal, all Ambassadors of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother.
Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO of Merck Foundation, said:
“I am very proud to release today our new children’s storybook and animation film on cancer awareness, in partnership with my dear sisters, the African First Ladies. While childhood cancer is one of the most difficult journeys not only for young patients but also for their families and communities, early detection and timely treatment offer real hope. The majority of pediatric cancers are treatable.”
She added that providing scholarships for cancer care training remains central to the Foundation’s mission:
“We made sure that cancer-care scholarships for African healthcare providers are a key part of our strategy with special focus on pediatric oncology training.”
The storybook “Ray of Hope” follows a young girl named Hope, who faces cancer with courage and resilience.
Through her journey, readers learn to recognize early warning signs of cancer and understand the importance of having a well-trained care team.
The Foundation says the story seeks to empower families to act early because “early detection saves lives.”
Training Africa’s First Oncologists
As part of its Cancer Access Program, Merck Foundation has provided 239 scholarships to healthcare providers from 35 countries, enabling them to receive one-year clinical training across multiple oncology sub-specialties, including medical, surgical, pediatric, gynecologic, and breast oncology.
The Foundation is also partnering with leading UK universities, including the University of South Wales, the University of Buckingham, Queen Mary University of London, and Cardiff University, to deliver post
graduate diplomas and master’s degrees in Cancer and Clinical Oncology, Medical Oncology, and Pain Management.
“We are proud to be making history in Africa by training the first oncologists and building the first cancer care teams in several nations, ensuring that patients receive the care they deserve,” said Dr. Kelej.
In total, Merck Foundation has awarded over 2,400 scholarships to doctors from 52 countries, spanning 44 critical and underserved medical specialties from fertility and diabetes care to oncology and cardiovascular health.
Education Through Storytelling
Dr. Kelej emphasized the Foundation’s belief that storytelling can transform public understanding of health.
“The storybook and animation film are available on our website and social media, and will soon be distributed across partner countries. Education through storytelling and animation is a powerful tool to build a more informed, empathetic, and healthier generation.”
Each “Ray of Hope” storybook includes a special message from Dr. Kelej and participating First Ladies, and is available in English, French, and Portuguese.
Copies will be distributed to schools and youth organizations across Africa and Asia.
The Foundation has previously released several storybooks and animations addressing critical health and social challenges, including “More Than a Mother” (infertility stigma), “Jackline’s Rescue” (girls’ education and child marriage), “Educating Linda” and “Ride into the Future” (empowering girls through education), “Not Who You Are” (ending domestic violence), “Sugar Free Jude” (diabetes awareness), and “Mark’s Pressure” (hypertension awareness).
“Nearly two-thirds of cancer cases can be treated if diagnosed early, and as many as one-third can be prevented by reducing risk factors such as radiation exposure, infections, and lifestyle causes,” Dr. Kelej explained.
“This is the message we want every family, every child, and every community to understand.”
About Merck Foundation
Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com) is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA, Germany, working to advance healthcare capacity and equity across Africa, Asia, and beyond.
Through its partnerships with First Ladies, ministries of health and education, and academic institutions, the Foundation continues to champion a future where access to quality healthcare and hope know no boundaries.
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