Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com) has announced the provision of 165 scholarships to doctors in 42 critical specialties .The announcement was made on June 3rd ,2024 during their annual Alumni Summit – Celebrating their legacy of transforming patient care landscape in Kenya;
The Awards Ceremony 2024 was conducted in Nairobi chaired by Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees and Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, Merck Foundation CEO.
Dr. Kelej expressed, “It was a proud moment for me to meet and acknowledge our Merck Foundation Alumni who are becoming the future healthcare experts of Kenya. I am happy to share that we are transforming the patient care landscape in Kenya by providing 165 scholarships one-year PG Diploma and Two-year Master degree in 42 critical and underserved medical specialties.”
Merck Foundation has for the past 12 years committed itself towards healthcare capacity advancement, patient care transformation and reshaping the landscape of the public healthcare sector in Kenya, the rest of Africa and beyond.
In Kenya, out of the total 165 scholarships provided by Merck Foundation;7 Scholarships have been provided for Oncology to develop and support the cancer care capacity in the country ,96 scholarships provided for one-year PG Diploma and two-year Master degree in Diabetes, Preventative Cardiovascular Medicine, Cardiology and Endocrinology for Kenyan doctors from different provinces across the country, which is very important to improve access to quality and equitable diabetes and hypertension patient care not only in Nairobi but nationwide.
For Fertility, Embryology, and one-year PG Diploma and two-year Master degree in Sexual and Reproductive Medicine 25 scholarships have been provided .
The remaining 37 Scholarships will go towards a one-year Online PG Diploma and two-Year Master degree provided in other critical and underserved specialties like Gastroenterology, Respiratory Medicine, Acute Medicine, Psychiatry, Internal Medicine, Dermatology, Neonatal Medicine, Urology, Pain Management, Critical Care and Rheumatology, as part of Merck Foundation Capacity Advancement Program.
“We are committed to transforming patient care in Kenya and we will continue to scale up these numbers in order to create a stronger platform of skilled medical professionals and strengthen the public healthcare system in Kenya and rest of Africa,”Kelej added.
During the program Merck also announced the broadcast of their “Our Africa” TV Program on KTN Kenya, every Saturday at 5pm and repeated every Thursday at 6:30 am. Our Africa by Merck Foundation’ is a pan-African TV program that is conceptualized, produced, directed, and co-hosted by Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej.The program features African Fashion Designers, Singers, and prominent experts from various domains with the aim to raise awareness and create a culture shift across Africa.
“I am excited for the airing of “OUR AFRICA” on KTN, Kenya, part of our long-term partnership with the Standard Media Group. The TV program is set to be the voice of the voiceless and break the silence about many critical and sensitive social and health issues in Africa like Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Ending Child Marriage, promoting a Healthy Lifestyle, Ending Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), Sustainability, and many more ,”remarked Kelej.
The following Media Winners were recognized during the ceremony for Merck Foundation
“More Than a Mother” Media Recognition Awards 2023
- Elizabeth Angira, MT Kenya Times and People Daily, Kenya (PRINT- First Position),
- Moraa Obiria, Nation Media Group, Kenya (ONLINE – First Position)
- Isabella Maua Chemosit, The Times, Kenya (ONLINE – Second Position)
- Sophia Rukwaro, Black Hustlers TV, Kenya (ONLINE – Third Position)
- Caren Waraba Sisya, Citizen Radio, Kenya (RADIO – First Position)
- Angela Kezengwa, Citizen Radio, Kenya (RADIO – Third Position)
- Elizabeth Atieno Ochieng, TV 47 KENYA, Kenya (MULTIMEDIA – Second Position)
Merck Foundation “Diabetes & Hypertension” Media Recognition Awards 2023
- Dorcas Wangira, BBC, Kenya (ONLINE – Second Position)
- Mildrine Nafula Sabwami, North Rift Radio FM, Kenya (RADIO – First Position
Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation BOT emphasized, “We strongly believe that empowering people will lead to a better future, we also believe good healthcare can transform the lives of individuals and families across developing countries. It can significantly contribute to economic and social development because healthcare is a major driver of economic growth and, consequently, of social progress.”
Moreover, Merck Foundation CEO announced the Call for Applications for their 8 important awards for Media, Musicians, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers, students, and new potential talents in these fields from Kenya.
Details of the Awards can be found at www.Merck-Foundation.com. Submission deadline is by 30th September 2024.
