Transforming health and education in Africa and Asia through partnerships

By Victoria Musimbi……..

 Across many African and Asian countries, limited access to specialist healthcare, persistent infertility stigma, inadequate reproductive health services, and barriers to girls’ education continue to undermine health outcomes and slow social and economic development.

Millions still face preventable suffering due to shortages of trained medical professionals, unequal access to care, and deep-rooted stigma.

However, coordinated long-term interventions are steadily changing this reality.

Through investments in healthcare training, education, and advocacy, Merck Foundation continues to support countries in strengthening their health systems and expanding opportunity.

These efforts were highlighted during the 13th Edition of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2026, which convened First Ladies from 12 countries alongside healthcare experts, policymakers, academics, media, and development partners to review progress and strengthen collaboration on shared priorities.

Strengthening Health Systems Through Human Capacity

Amid these efforts, First Lady of Kenya, H.E. Rachel Ruto, emphasized that equitable development begins with opportunity.

“Every child is born with potential, but opportunity is often shaped by the systems that surround them,” she said.

Kenya continues to work with Merck Foundation to address critical gaps in healthcare delivery.

Through this partnership, 328 Kenyan healthcare professionals have received scholarships in specialized medical fields, strengthening national service capacity.

These specialists are improving access to maternal care, cancer treatment, and other essential services across communities that previously had limited access.

“True progress requires systems that ensure where you start in life does not determine where you end up,” she added.

A key pillar of this collaboration is the Educating Linda Programme, which supports girls from vulnerable backgrounds to remain in school and complete their education.

“These girls represent the future. When we invest in them, we invest in generations to come,” she noted.

The “More Than a Mother” campaign continues to challenge infertility stigma and promote dignity for women beyond societal expectations.

Expanding Access Through Regional Collaboration

Building on this work, CEO of Merck Foundation, Rasha Kelej, reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to long-term partnerships that strengthen healthcare and education systems across Africa and Asia.

“Partnership is at the heart of everything we do. We work closely with governments, First Ladies, and institutions to ensure sustainable impact,” she said.

She highlighted that the Foundation has now provided more than 2,680 scholarships to healthcare professionals from 52 countries across 42 underserved specialties.

“We are focused not only on training doctors, but on ensuring countries have the specialists they urgently need,” she added.

“An educated girl grows into a woman who transforms her family, her community, and her country,” she said.

Beyond clinical training, the Foundation also supports mental health, family medicine, infectious diseases, and reproductive health services to strengthen holistic care systems.

 Building Future-Ready Health Systems

The Chairperson of Merck Foundation, Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, underscored the long-term vision guiding the Foundation’s work.

“At the core of our mission is a simple belief: every person deserves the chance to live a healthy and dignified life,” he said.

Since 2012, more than 2,600 scholarships have been provided in over 44 critical and underserved medical specialties, helping address long-standing gaps in specialist care.

In many countries, these trained professionals are among the first specialists available in their fields.

“Our alumni across 52 countries demonstrate that sustained investment in human capacity creates lasting change,” he said.

He also emphasized the importance of addressing social challenges through the “More Than a Mother” campaign, which promotes gender equality and fights infertility stigma.

“The real measure of progress is seen in lives improved, dignity restored, and barriers removed,” he added.

Through the Educating Linda initiative, the Foundation continues to support girls from disadvantaged backgrounds to complete their education and achieve their ambitions.

 A Shared Responsibility for Lasting Change

The 13th Edition of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2026 reaffirmed a shared commitment to strengthening health and education systems across Africa and Asia.

Beyond dialogue, the focus continues to shift toward practical interventions that expand access, build skills, and address social barriers.

At the heart of this work is a simple but powerful truth: when healthcare is strengthened, education is supported, and stigma is challenged, societies move closer to lasting equity and opportunity.

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