Berlin: Merck Foundation, in collaboration with African First Ladies, is marking 'World Cancer Day 2026' by enhancing oncology care capacity through the provision of 258 cancer care scholarships across 34 countries. This initiative is part of their ongoing efforts to address the critical shortage of trained oncologists and improve cancer care in Africa. According to African Press Organization, the Merck Foundation is making significant strides in Africa by training the continent's first oncologists and establishing the first cancer care teams in countries such as The Gambia, Sierra Leone, and Burundi, among others. The foundation has partnered with Ministries of Health and African First Ladies to provide one-year clinical training in various oncology sub-specialties, alongside postgraduate diplomas and master's degrees in cancer and clinical oncology, medical oncology, and pain management. The Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Germany's Merck KGaA, has a clear mission to increase the limited number of oncologists in Africa. Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO of Merck Foundation, emphasized the need for addressing late diagnosis and the shortage of specialists. The foundation has provided over 2500 scholarships in 44 critical and underserved specialties across 52 countries, with 258 specifically in oncology. In addition to educational initiatives, Merck Foundation has launched cancer awareness efforts through materials such as the "Ray of Hope" children's storybook and animation film. These resources aim to highlight the importance of early detection and access to trained care teams. Dr. Rasha Kelej noted that early diagnosis could treat nearly two-thirds of cancer cases successfully, and one-third could be prevented by reducing risk factors. Dr. Judith Mkwaila, a Merck Foundation alumni from Malawi, shared her experience of receiving a scholarship for a Surgical Oncology fellowship in India. The training equipped her with both theoretical and practical skills, enabling her to become the first and onl y female Chief Surgeon at Mzuzu Central Hospital in Malawi. Her story underscores the positive impact of Merck Foundation's scholarships in transforming cancer care and increasing access to quality treatment in Africa.