Nairobi: Merck Foundation, in collaboration with African First Ladies and Ministries of Health, is marking World Cancer Day 2026 by significantly advancing cancer care capacity through the provision of 258 cancer care scholarships across 34 countries. According to African Press Organization, these scholarships include one-year clinical training in various oncology sub-specialties, and one and two-year postgraduate diplomas and master's degrees in cancer and clinical oncology, medical oncology, and pain management. Merck Foundation is pioneering efforts in Africa by training the first African oncologists and establishing cancer care teams in countries such as The Gambia, Sierra Leone, Burundi, Liberia, Guinea Conakry, Central African Republic, Chad, Malawi, Niger, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The foundation's Chairman and CEO, along with African First Ladies, also released a children's storybook and animation film titled 'Ray of Hope' to raise cancer awareness. The philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany , Merck Foundation aims to address critical gaps in cancer care, including late diagnosis and a shortage of trained specialists, through its Cancer Access Program. Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), emphasized the commitment to transforming cancer care in Africa, providing 258 oncology scholarships to healthcare providers from 34 African and Asian countries, increasing the number of trained oncologists and developing multidisciplinary cancer care teams. In many of these countries, there were no oncologists prior to this initiative. Merck Foundation has provided more than 2500 scholarships for healthcare providers across 52 countries in various underserved specialties. Dr. Rasha Kelej highlighted the importance of early diagnosis and prevention, noting that two-thirds of cancer cases can be treated successfully if diagnosed early. To support awareness, the foundation has launched educational materials and the 'Ray of Hope' animation film in collaboration with African First Ladies. Dr. Judith Mkwaila, a Merck Fo undation alumnus from Malawi, shared her experience of undertaking a Surgical Oncology fellowship in India. The training enabled her to become the first female Chief Surgeon at Mzuzu Central Hospital, illustrating the transformative impact of Merck Foundation's scholarships in enhancing cancer care access and expertise in Africa.