Merck Foundation Marks World Heart Day 2026 with First Ladies

By Isabella Maua

Merck Foundation, the German not-for-profit organization has marked “World Heart Day 2026” together with the First Ladies of Africa and Asia and their partners, including Ministries of Health, Medical Societies and Academia, through their Nationwide Diabetes & Hypertension Blue Points Program.

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO of Merck Foundation emphasized, “At Merck Foundation we mark “World Heart Day” by building cardiovascular and diabetes care capacity in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

I am proud to share that together with our Ambassadors, the First Ladies of Africa and  Asia,  and  partners  including  Ministries  of  Health,  Medical  Societies  and Academia, Merck Foundation has provided 956 scholarships for healthcare providers from  52  countries,  of  One-Year  Online  PG  Diplomas  and  Two-Year  Online  Master’s Degrees  in  Diabetes,  Cardiovascular  Preventive  Care,  Endocrinology,  Cardiology,  and Obesity  & Weight  Management,  as  well  as  One-Year  Clinical Cardiovascular  Care  and Clinical Diabetes Onsite Fellowship Programs.”  Dr. Rasha Kelej further added, “We are committed to bringing specialized healthcare capacity closer to the communities that need it. By providing scholarships for healthcare providers from different parts of countries, beyond the major capital cities, we are helping create local experts who can provide specialized cardiovascular and diabetes care and also contribute  to  prevention,  early  detection  and  greater  health  awareness  in  their communities. This is how we build sustainable healthcare capacity: by empowering healthcare providers to become local experts and a lasting resource for their communities

In total, Merck Foundation has provided more than 2,750 scholarships for healthcare providers from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialities.

Dr. Husein Jivanji, Merck  Foundation Alumnus from Kenya, shares, “I am  very thankful to Merck Foundation for providing me with the opportunity to pursue a PG Diploma in Cardiovascular Preventive Medicine. The training program has significantly strengthened my clinical knowledge and practical skills. With my increased knowledge and skills, I have started a specialized cardiology clinic in the public sector. I have been able to enhance patient management practices and contribute more effectively to improving healthcare services in my community.”

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cardiovascular diseases have emerged as  the  leading  cause  of  NCD deaths  in  the  African Region, with  more  than  1  million cardiovascular deaths estimated in 2019. At the same time, hypertension remains a major risk factor  for  cardiovascular disease, with fewer than  one-third  of  people  living with hypertension receiving treatment and only about 12% having their condition under control.

Therefore, to raise awareness, Merck Foundation has also launched several community awareness programs in partnership with The First Ladies of Africa and Asia, focusing on prevention and early detection of hypertension and diabetes, which are closely linked, and promoting healthy lifestyles among communities.

Merck  Foundation,  together  with  First  Ladies  has  launched  Children’s  storybooks ‘Mark’s Pressure’ and ‘Sugar free Jude’ with the aim of encouraging children and families to adopt healthier lifestyles, as healthy habits can help prevent hypertension, diabetes  and  other  related  complications.  Merck  Foundation  has  also  adapted  these storybooks to develop engaging animation films.

“Healthy habits are easiest to build from an early age. Therefore, through our storybooks and animation films, we are educating children and young people about the importance of making healthy choices, including reducing salt and sugar intake, exercising regularly, eating balanced meals and avoiding smoking. By helping children develop healthy habits today, we can empower them to lead healthier lives tomorrow,” emphasized Dr. Kelej.