22 Zambian oncologists trained as Merck Foundation scales up cancer fight

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.