Merck Foundation, African first ladies./PHOTO; Courtesy
Across Africa, thousands of cancer patients continue to lose their lives not only because of the disease itself, but due to a major health system gap: late diagnosis and limited access to specialised cancer care.
In many countries, patients travel long distances to receive treatment, while others go without care due to a shortage of trained oncologists and multidisciplinary cancer teams.
According to World Health Organization (WHO) data, 2022, Africa records an estimated 1.1 million new cancer cases annually, with up to 700,000 cancer-related deaths each year.
Experts say the high mortality rate is linked to delayed detection, limited diagnostic services, and weak health systems.
Against this backdrop, Merck Foundation is marking World Cancer Day 2026 by strengthening oncology care capacity across Africa through a large-scale training initiative for healthcare providers.
The programme aims to increase the number of cancer specialists and improve access to early diagnosis and quality treatment across the continent.
Transforming Lives, One Doctor at a Time
For many healthcare workers, the programme is already transforming the delivery of cancer treatment in their countries.
Dr Judith Mkwaila, a Merck Foundation alumnus from Malawi, received a scholarship to pursue a Surgical Oncology fellowship training programme at Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth, India.
“It was a great honor and privilege to be awarded the Merck Foundation Scholarship,” said Dr Mkwaila.
“The fellowship gave me both theoretical and hands-on training in complex oncological procedures involving head and neck, breast, upper gastrointestinal, and colorectal cancers. I was also exposed to a multidisciplinary team approach, which deepened my knowledge and skills in both curative and palliative care.
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With the skills gained, Dr Mkwaila established a General Surgical Clinic and became the first and only female Chief Surgeon at Mzuzu Central Hospital.
“I am very thankful to Merck Foundation for the opportunity to pursue this fellowship and for continuing this noble cause of increasing access to high-quality cancer care,” she added.
Her story reflects Merck Foundation’s broader push to strengthen cancer care systems across Africa.
Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), Chairman and CEO of Merck Foundation, said the Foundation is using World Cancer Day to highlight the urgent need for investment in specialist training and early detection.
“At Merck Foundation, we mark World Cancer Day through our sustained efforts to transform cancer care in Africa by tackling late diagnosis and the shortage of trained specialists,” said Dr. Kelej.
258 Oncology Scholarships Across 34 Countries
Merck Foundation, working closely with African First Ladies and Ministries of Health, has provided 258 oncology scholarships to healthcare professionals from 34 African and Asian countries, helping build multidisciplinary cancer care teams where oncology services were previously limited or non-existent.
“In several of these countries, there wasn’t even a single oncologist,” said Dr. Kelej.
“We are proud to be training the first oncologists and cancer care teams in countries such as The Gambia, Sierra Leone, Burundi, Liberia, Guinea Conakry, Central African Republic, Chad, Niger, and more.”
Specialised Training Across Oncology Sub-Specialties
Through its Cancer Access Program, Merck Foundation provides one-year clinical training in sub-specialties such as Medical Oncology, Surgical Oncology, Pediatric Oncology, Gynecologic Oncology, Breast Oncology, Hematology-Oncology, Orthopedic Oncology, Palliative Care, Pathology-Oncology, Radiation Oncology, Interventional Radiology, and Oncology Nursing.
The Foundation also supports one-year and two-year Postgraduate Diplomas and Master’s Degrees in Cancer and Clinical Oncology, Medical Oncology, and Pain Management through universities in the United Kingdom, including the University of South Wales, University of Buckingham, Queen Mary University of London, and Cardiff University.
Countries Benefiting from the Programme
Scholarships have supported healthcare providers from Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo Brazzaville, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Promoting Early Detection and Cancer Awareness
Merck Foundation emphasises that early detection is key.
Nearly two-thirds of cancer cases can be successfully treated if diagnosed early, and up to one-third can be prevented by reducing key risk factors such as radiation exposure, certain infections, and lifestyle-related causes.
To raise awareness, the Foundation has developed educational materials, including leaflets and videos, and launched initiatives such as “Ray of Hope”, a children’s storybook and animation film on childhood cancer, produced in partnership with African First Ladies and available in three languages.
“The story highlights the importance of early detection and access to well-trained cancer care teams capable of recognising early warning signs,” said Dr. Kelej.
Building Sustainable Cancer Care Systems
Merck Foundation’s long-term approach focuses on strengthening local health systems by training specialists rather than relying on external referrals.
To date, the Foundation has provided more than 2,500 scholarships for healthcare providers from 52 countries, covering 44 critical and underserved medical specialties.
“Merck Foundation remains committed to transforming the landscape of patient care in general, and cancer care in particular, leading Africa toward a healthier future,” said Dr. Kelej.
A Timely Intervention
With cancer cases expected to rise across Africa due to population growth and lifestyle changes, health experts say strengthening early diagnosis, expanding specialist training, and improving access to treatment are urgent priorities.
Through training programmes and awareness campaigns, Merck Foundation’s efforts are already helping to build stronger cancer care systems, giving patients in underserved countries hope for timely and quality treatment.
