By Hamu Madzedze
Merck Foundation has launched one-year fellowship programs on clinical Cardiovascular care and Diabetes in India for African doctors aimed at improving access to quality and equitable Hypertension,Diabetes and Cardiovascular preventative care in Africa.
Merck Foundation CEO Senator Dr Rasha Kelej said these programs will go a long way in enhancing Cardiovascular, Hypertension and Diabetes care in Africa,Asia and Latin America.
"As the foundation marks World Hypertension Day 2024 together with Africa's First Ladies ,Ministries of Heath,Medical Societies and Academia they are providing scholarships to young doctors to transform patient care landscape in the fields of Hypertension,Cardiology,Diabetes and Endocrinology"said Senator Dr Kelej.
The Foundation's CEO added that to date over 760 scholarships for one year Post Graduate Diploma and two years Masters degree in Preventative Cardiovascular,Diabetes,Endocrinology and Obesity and Weight Management have been awarded to doctors from 52 countries.
"These scholarships have been awarded to young doctors in a bid to form a strong platform of experts nationwide and not only from capital or big cities" she said.
Senator Dr Kelej added that Merck Foundation in partnership with African First Ladies have released a children's storybook and adapted animation Film dubbed "Marks Pressure" with an aim to focus on the cause of the early onset of Hypertension and raising awareness about its early detection ,prevention and management.
"Through this new animation film we want to encourage our communities to reduce salt, avoid sugar ,exercise regularly,eat healthy and stop smoking as these are the only ways to prevent and manage Hypertension and Diabetes which are the predominant risk factors for the development of several serious complications and diseases" said Senator Dr Kelej.
Merck Foundation's alumnus from Kenya who completed the Post Graduate Diploma in Preventative Cardiovascular Medicine Dr Victoria Mumbo said after completion of the course her approach towards patient management has changed and is now able to educate the community on the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle.
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