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Merck Foundation Marks World Heart Day With 956 Scholarships
Merck Foundation marked World Heart Day 2026 by describing its efforts to train healthcare workers.
It says 956 people from 52 countries received scholarships.
The training focuses on heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and related health problems.
Some courses are online, while others are clinical fellowships.
The foundation says trained workers can help people in their own communities.
It is also working with First Ladies, health ministries, doctors’ groups and schools.
Storybooks and cartoons teach children about eating well, exercising and avoiding smoking.
Television programs and creative awards are being used to spread these health messages.
The overall goal is to help prevent disease and find it earlier.
Merck Foundation says it has awarded 956 cardiovascular, diabetes and endocrinology scholarships to healthcare providers from 52 countries.
The programs include online postgraduate diplomas, online master’s degrees and clinical fellowships in cardiovascular and diabetes care.
The foundation is working with First Ladies of Africa and Asia, health ministries, medical societies and academic institutions.
Community initiatives include hypertension and diabetes awareness campaigns, children’s storybooks, animation films and the “Our Africa” television program.
Merck Foundation announced 2026 media, film and fashion awards, plus 2025 song awards, with entries due by October 30, 2026.
- Who
- Merck Foundation, together with First Ladies of Africa and Asia and partners including health ministries, medical societies and academia.
- What
- The foundation marked World Heart Day 2026 by highlighting 956 scholarships and community programs focused on cardiovascular disease, diabetes and hypertension.
- Where
- The announcement was issued from Abuja, Nigeria, and Mumbai, India, with programs involving 52 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
- When
- September 29, in connection with World Heart Day 2026; award submissions are due October 30, 2026.
- Why
- To expand specialized healthcare capacity and promote prevention, early detection and healthier lifestyles related to cardiovascular disease, diabetes and hypertension.
Key facts
- Scholarships awarded
- 956 healthcare-provider scholarships
- Countries represented
- 52 countries
- Medical focus
- Cardiovascular care, diabetes, endocrinology, cardiology, obesity and weight management
- Broader training total
- More than 2,750 scholarships across 44 critical and underserved medical specialties
- Community materials
- The children’s storybooks “Mark’s Pressure” and “Sugar Free Jude,” along with adapted animation films
- Award deadline
- October 30, 2026
- WHO regional estimate
- More than 1 million cardiovascular deaths were estimated in Africa’s WHO region in 2019
Quotes
Dr. Husein Jivanji
Merck Foundation alumnus from Kenya
“Healthy habits are easiest to build from an early age. Therefore, through our storybooks and animation films, we are educating children and young people about the importance of making healthy choices, including reducing salt and sugar intake, exercising regularly, eating balanced meals and avoiding smoking.”
theprint.in
“I am very thankful to Merck Foundation for providing me with the opportunity to pursue a PG Diploma in Cardiovascular Preventive Medicine. The training program has significantly strengthened my clinical knowledge and practical skills.”
theprint.in
Sources
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