By Ebere Agozie
The Merck Foundation CEO, Dr Dr Rasha Kelej, says the foundation, in partnership with African First Ladies and Ministries of Health, have marked World Cancer Day 2026 by building Oncology Care Capacity through 258 cancer care Scholarships across 34 countries’
Kelej said the step was taken to close the gap by training the continent’s first oncologists and multidisciplinary cancer care teams in several underserved countries.
She said the intervention was targeted at one of Africa’s most urgent health crises, late cancer diagnosis and the near absence of trained specialists in many countries.
Kelej disclosed that in countries such as The Gambia, Sierra Leone, Burundi, Liberia, Guinea Conakry, the Central African Republic, Chad, Niger, Malawi and Zambia, there was previously not a single trained oncologist.
“At Merck Foundation, we mark World Cancer Day not with symbolism, but through sustained action. We are transforming cancer care in Africa by addressing a critical gap, the shortage of trained oncologists and late diagnosis.”
“We are proud to be making history by training the first oncologists and the first multidisciplinary cancer care teams in many African countries. This is a turning point for cancer patients who previously had little or no access to specialised care,” she added.
The CEO noted that the scholarships cover one-year clinical training in sub-specialities such as medical, surgical, paediatric, gynaecological and breast oncology, as well as radiation, pathology, palliative care, oncology nursing and laboratory services.
“It also includes postgraduate diplomas and master’s degrees in cancer and clinical oncology from leading universities in the United Kingdom as without urgent capacity building, the cancer burden would continue to rise.
“Data from the World Health Organisation shows that Africa records about 1.1 million new cancer cases and nearly 700,000 deaths annually, with mortality rates far higher than global averages due to weak health systems and late presentation.
“Nearly two-thirds of cancer cases can be successfully treated if detected early, while up to one-third can be prevented. That is why training specialists and raising awareness must go hand in hand.”
She said that Merck Foundation has so far provided over 2,500 medical scholarships across 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved specialities, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening Africa’s healthcare systems.
“We aim to strengthen public education through our recently released children’s storybook and animation film titled ‘Ray of Hope’, aimed at promoting early detection and cancer awareness from a young age.
“Our vision is clear: to lead Africa toward a healthier future by expanding access to quality and equitable cancer care.”
Dr Judith Mkwaila, a Merck Foundation alumna from Malawi attested that the training had transformed cancer care delivery in her country.
She added that the fellowship gave her a hands-on training in complex cancer surgeries and exposed her to a multidisciplinary approach to treatment.
“Through this, I have become the first and only female Chief Surgeon at Mzuzu Central Hospital,” she said.
