Merck Foundation in partnership with Africa’s First Ladies and Ministries of Health provided more than 750 scholarships of one-year Post-Graduate Diploma and two-year Master Degree in Diabetes, Cardiology, Endocrinology and Obesity & Weight Management to doctors from 43 countries in Africa, Asia and beyond; Merck Foundation has released The First Animation films “Sugar Free Jude”, “Mark’s Pressure”, which are adapted from their Children storybooks with the aim to raise awareness about early detection and prevention of Diabetes and Hypertension (which are corelated) and to Promote Healthy Lifestyle, amongst children and youth in Africa and beyond.
Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, marks ‘World Diabetes Day 2023’ together with Africa’s First Ladies, Ministries of Health, Medical Societies and Academia, through their “Nationwide Diabetes Blue Points Program” by providing scholarships for young doctors to transform the patient care landscape in the fields of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Hypertension, and by raising awareness in communities in Africa and beyond.
Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation emphasized, “At Merck Foundation, we mark ‘World Diabetes Day’ every day. Till today out of 1700 scholarships, we provided more than 750 scholarships of one year diploma and two year master degree of Diabetes, Endocrinology, Cardiovascular, and Obesity & Weight Management specialty training, as well as a Diabetes Master Course in English, French, Portuguese and Spanish language, to doctors from 43 countries in Africa, Asia and beyond, in partnership with Africa’s First Ladies and Ministries of Health, and Medical Societies. This is significantly contributing to improving access to quality and equitable diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular care, which as we know are corelated conditions.”
“We are establishing a robust network of experts nationwide, by providing these scholarships to doctors from different provinces, counties or districts in each country we partner with. After graduation, these doctors can establish diabetes clinics in their Health Centers or Hospitals with the aim of preventing and managing the condition in their respective communities, many diabetes clinics have been established since the start of this program. I am proud of this outstanding milestone, this is how we mark Diabetes Day”, emphasized Dr. Kelej.
Merck Foundation released the first animation movies to raise awareness about Diabetes & Hypertension, during their recently concluded annual conference, the 10th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary, in the presence of First Ladies of 11 African countries.
“I am very happy to bring to you ‘Sugar Free Jude’ and ‘Mark’s Pressure’ the first Animation Films to raise awareness about Diabetes & hypertension and to Promote Healthy Lifestyle, amongst children and youth in Africa and beyond. These animation films are adaptation of our children’s storybooks. Through our new animation films, we want to encourage our communities to stop sugar, exercise regularly, eat healthy and never smoke, this is the only way to eradicate diabetes and hypertension and reduce its complications. These animation films are dedicated from Merck Foundation to our communities and partners to mark the “World Diabetes Day” and also to use every day. I want to remind everyone that good health is our greatest treasure!” added Dr. Kelej.
