Merck Foundation Expands Education and Healthcare Support for Women and Girls Across Africa and Asia

Merck Foundation is marking International Women’s Day 2026 by reinforcing its long-standing commitment to empowering women and girls through education, healthcare and research. Working alongside the First Ladies of Africa and Asia, as well as ministries responsible for health, education, communication and gender, the Foundation continues to invest in programmes that improve access to education and strengthen healthcare systems.

Education and Healthcare Remain at the Heart of Merck Foundation’s Mission

Merck Foundation has spent more than 14 years supporting women and girls through initiatives including More Than a Mother, the Merck Foundation Scholarships Programme, Educating Linda and its STEM Programme.

Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO of Merck Foundation and one of the Most Influential African and African Women for seven consecutive years (2019 to 2025), said that empowering women and girls is not confined to a single day but is embedded in everything the Foundation does. She explained that it shapes the organisation’s vision and guides its programmes. Working alongside the First Ladies of Africa and Asia, who serve as Merck Foundation Ambassadors, the Foundation has spent the past 14 years turning its commitment into action through initiatives including More Than a Mother, the Merck Foundation Scholarships Program, Educating Linda and the STEM Program.

Marking International Women’s Day 2026, Dr. Kelej extended her warmest wishes to women and girls around the world, encouraging them to continue rising with confidence, break barriers and realise their full potential.

Scholarships Strengthening Healthcare Across 52 Countries

Through its Scholarships Programme, Merck Foundation has awarded more than 2,500 scholarships to healthcare professionals from 52 countries across 44 critical and underserved medical specialties.

The initiative aims to improve specialist healthcare services while developing future healthcare leaders across Africa, Asia and beyond.

Dr. Kelej said,

“I am proud that out of the 2500+ scholarships provided across 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved specialties, about 1200 scholarships, that is nearly 50% have been provided to women medical graduates,empowering them to become future healthcare experts and leaders. Also, I am happy to share that we have provided over 770 scholarships for young healthcare providers, dedicated to advancing women’s health by strengthening reproductive & sexual health, and fertility care capacity.”

Supporting Girls’ Education Through the Educating Linda Programme

The Foundation continues to place education at the centre of its work to empower women and girls.

Dr. Kelej said,

“As a part of our Educating Linda program, together with my dear sisters, the First Ladies of Africa, we have year to date provided more than 1200 annual scholarships to deserving yet underprivileged African schoolgirls from 19 countries, enabling them to complete their education and reach their full potential.”

For students, educators and education leaders, the programme demonstrates how targeted scholarships can help remove financial barriers and improve access to quality education for girls.

Encouraging Women in STEM and Research

In addition to supporting school and university education, Merck Foundation encourages more women to pursue careers in science, technology and medical research.

Its STEM Programme and the annual Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit (MARS) Awards recognise outstanding women researchers and young African scientists while encouraging research excellence across the continent.

Dr. Kelej added,

“Our goal is to empower women and young African researchers, enhance their research capacity, and promote their contributions to STEM.”

Creative Campaigns Raising Awareness

Beyond scholarships, Merck Foundation works with the First Ladies of Africa and Asia to raise awareness through annual Media, Song, Film and Fashion Awards.

These initiatives encourage conversations around girls’ education, women’s empowerment, infertility stigma, female genital mutilation, child marriage and gender-based violence.

Additionally, the Foundation promotes these messages through children’s storybooks, animation films, awareness songs and dedicated episodes of the Our Africa by Merck Foundation TV programme, helping families, schools and communities engage with these important topics in accessible ways.

Why This Matters for Education

Merck Foundation’s work extends beyond scholarships. By combining education, healthcare, research and public awareness, it aims to create long-term opportunities for women and girls while strengthening education and healthcare systems across Africa and Asia.

For schools, universities and education stakeholders, these initiatives highlight the importance of partnerships that expand access to learning, encourage more girls into STEM subjects and develop the next generation of healthcare professionals.