By Lenah Bosibori
Nairobi, Kenya — More than 2,600 healthcare professionals from 52 countries across Africa and Asia have received scholarships in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties through the Merck Foundation, strengthening healthcare capacity across the two regions.
Among the beneficiaries are 328 Kenyan healthcare professionals who have received scholarships in specialized medical fields, a milestone that is helping improve access to specialized care, reduce the burden of long-distance travel for treatment, and strengthen the country’s healthcare delivery systems.
Speaking on Thursday during the 13th Edition of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2026, held virtually, H.E Mrs. Rachel Ruto First lady of the republic of Kenya said the scholarships awarded to Kenyan healthcare professionals represent more than numbers, describing them as investments in healthier communities and stronger healthcare systems.
“Every scholarship represents a life that will be touched,” Mrs. Ruto said. “Every trained healthcare worker represents a community that will be healthier.”
She also reaffirmed the country’s commitment to strengthen healthcare systems, expanding educational opportunities, and advancing gender equity through strategic partnerships with development organizations, including the Merck Foundation.
Further, she added that every child is born with limitless potential, but for many across Africa and Asia, life outcomes are too often shaped by circumstance rather than ability.
“Every child enters this world with limitless potential, yet for millions across Africa and Asia, the future they inherit is often determined not by their talent, ambition, or determination, but by where they are born,” Mrs Ruto said.
The annual conference brought together First Ladies from 12 African and Asian countries, healthcare experts, policymakers, media practitioners, and development partners to discuss strategies for improving healthcare access and addressing social challenges across the two continents.
Mrs Ruto also noted that the programme has been an example of how educational support can transform lives and communities by enabling vulnerable girls to remain in school and pursue careers in medicine, law, and other professions.
“When we educate a girl, we do not change one life. We change generations,” the official said.
She reiterated support for women’s empowerment initiatives, including the More Than a Mother campaign and newborn screening advocacy programmes in Kenya. “No woman should ever be defined by her fertility,” the statement read. “Her dignity is non-negotiable. Her value is inherent and God-given.”
Speaking at the conference, Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO of Merck Foundation and Chairperson of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary, said the scholarship program continues to transform patient care by addressing shortages in specialized medical services.
“I am proud to share that Merck Foundation has provided more than 2,600 scholarships for healthcare providers from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved specialties,” said Dr. Kelej. “Many of our Merck Foundation alumni have become the first specialists in their countries. Together with our Ambassadors and partners, we are making history and transforming the patient care landscape across Africa, Asia, and beyond.”
According to the Foundation, more than 800 of the scholarships have been awarded in fertility, embryology, sexual and reproductive medicine, clinical psychiatry, women’s health, urology, laparoscopic surgical skills, and family medicine. The initiative aims to strengthen fertility and women’s healthcare services in 42 countries.
“Of the 2,600-plus scholarships provided by Merck Foundation, more than 800 have been dedicated to fields related to fertility and women’s health,” Dr. Kelej said. “These scholarships are helping strengthen fertility care services and improving access to women’s health across 42 countries.”
The conference also marked World Infertility Awareness Month through the Foundation’s flagship “More Than a Mother” campaign, which advocates for the empowerment of infertile and childless women through education, healthcare access, and social inclusion.
Kenya used the forum to reaffirm its commitment to strengthening healthcare systems, expanding educational opportunities, and advancing gender equity through strategic partnerships with development organizations such as the Merck Foundation.
This year’s conference also commemorated two milestones: the ninth anniversary of Merck Foundation and 14 years since the launch of its development programs in 2012. Kenya similarly marked nine years of collaboration with the Foundation.
Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of the Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, emphasised the organisation’s continued commitment to improving access to quality healthcare.
“At Merck Foundation, we remain committed to improving health and well-being by building healthcare capacity and providing access to quality and equitable healthcare across Africa, Asia, and beyond,” he said. “Together, we will continue advancing our vision of a world where everyone can lead a healthy and happy life.”
The conference attracted more than 800 participants, including healthcare professionals, policymakers, academics, and media representatives from 57 English-, French-, and Portuguese-speaking countries.
Beyond healthcare training, the Foundation highlighted its broader impact in education and social advocacy. Through its Educating Linda programme, more than 1,550 scholarships have been awarded to schoolgirls from 21 African countries, covering tuition fees and other educational expenses.