Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Germany-based Merck KGaA, has launched a new health awareness initiative aimed at strengthening early cancer detection and treatment capacity across Africa and parts of Asia, as part of its broader investment in healthcare systems development.
The initiative, titled “Ray of Hope,” includes a children’s storybook and an animated film designed to promote early diagnosis, cancer prevention and access to quality care, with particular focus on childhood cancer. It was unveiled during the 12th Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary, held in The Gambia.
The launch was conducted in collaboration with First Ladies from Burundi, Central African Republic, The Gambia, Liberia, Nigeria, São Tomé & Príncipe, and Senegal, who also serve as ambassadors of the Merck Foundation’s More Than a Mother programme.
According to Merck Foundation CEO Dr. Rasha Kelej, the initiative aligns with the organisation’s long-term strategy of addressing healthcare gaps through capacity building rather than short-term interventions.
“Early diagnosis significantly improves cancer outcomes. Our focus is on strengthening healthcare systems by investing in trained professionals while improving public awareness of early warning signs,” she said.
Cancer remains one of the leading causes of premature death in sub-Saharan Africa, with limited access to early diagnosis and specialist care contributing to high mortality rates. Health experts estimate that nearly two-thirds of cancer cases are treatable if detected early, while up to one-third can be prevented through risk reduction.
As part of its Cancer Access Programme, Merck Foundation has provided 239 oncology-related scholarships to healthcare professionals from 35 countries, covering specialisations such as medical oncology, paediatric oncology, radiation oncology, surgical oncology, pathology, oncology nursing and palliative care.
The Foundation also partners with institutions including the University of South Wales, University of Buckingham, Queen Mary University of London and Cardiff University to offer postgraduate qualifications in oncology and pain management.
Overall, Merck Foundation reports having awarded more than 2,500 scholarships across 44 medical specialties to healthcare professionals from 52 countries, supporting long-term capacity building in underserved health systems.
The Ray of Hope materials are available in English, French and Portuguese, and will be distributed through schools, healthcare institutions and community networks across partner countries.
Beyond oncology, the Foundation has previously supported awareness campaigns addressing infertility stigma, girls’ education, gender-based violence, diabetes and hypertension, positioning its programmes at the intersection of health, education and human capital development.
Merck Foundation operates independently of political institutions and maintains a non-political mandate, focusing exclusively on health equity, education and sustainable healthcare systems.
