By DOREEN NAWA
Twenty-two Zambian oncologists have been trained over the past
decade through the Merck Foundation’s oncology fellowship programme, boosting
the country’s capacity to diagnose and treat cancer. As the world commemorates
World Cancer Day 2026, the Merck Foundation, in partnership with African First
Ladies, has intensified efforts to strengthen cancer care across Africa and
parts of Asia, with Zambia among the beneficiaries of the initiative. The
foundation has so far awarded 258 oncology scholarships to healthcare providers
from 34 countries aimed at addressing the shortage of trained cancer specialists
and improving early detection and treatment. Merck Foundation Chief Executive
Officer, Senator Dr Rasha Kelej, disclosed in a statement marking World Cancer
Day that the initiative focuses on building sustainable oncology capacity and
multidisciplinary cancer care teams across participating countries. She said the
foundation has also launched a children’s storybook and an adaptive animation
film titled “Ray of Hope” to raise awareness about cancer, particularly
childhood cancer. Dr Kelej explained that the programme seeks to address
critical gaps in cancer care, including late diagnosis and limited access to
specialised treatment. “Nearly two-thirds of cancer cases can be successfully
treated when diagnosed early, and up to one-third can be prevented by reducing
key risk factors such as exposure to radiation, certain infections and
lifestyle-related causes,” she said. She noted that the storybook and animation
film highlight the importance of early detection and access to well-trained
cancer care teams capable of recognising early warning signs, especially among
children. Dr Kelej said Merck Foundation’s work goes beyond commemorating World
Cancer Day and focuses on sustained interventions to improve cancer care across
underserved regions. “At Merck Foundation, we address one of the most critical
gaps in cancer care in Africa, which is late diagnosis and the shortage of
trained specialists. Together with African First Ladies, we have provided 258
oncology scholarships, significantly increasing the number of trained
oncologists and multidisciplinary cancer care teams,” she said. The
participating countries include Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon,
Central African Republic, Chad, Congo Brazzaville, Democratic Republic of Congo,
Ethiopia, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Malaysia,
Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, São Tomé and
Príncipe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Togo,
Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. According to Dr Kelej, several countries such as
The Gambia, Sierra Leone, Burundi, Liberia, Guinea Conakry, Central African
Republic, Chad and Niger previously had no oncologists before the programme. In
total, the Merck Foundation has awarded more than 2,500 scholarships to
healthcare providers from 52 countries across 44 critical and underserved
medical specialties. World Health Organisation data from 2022 indicates that
Africa records approximately 1.1 million new cancer cases annually, with about
700,000 cancer-related deaths. Mortality rates on the continent remain
significantly higher than in many other regions due to late diagnosis, limited
access to treatment and weak health systems. To further drive awareness, the
Merck Foundation has developed cancer prevention and early detection materials,
including leaflets and educational videos, while continuing to collaborate with
African First Ladies and Ministries of Health through its Cancer Access
Programme. The foundation has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming cancer
care and improving patient outcomes across Africa, with the long-term goal of
building a healthier future for the continent.
