Zimbabwe's annual scholarship allocation from Merck Foundation has doubled to 40 following seven years of partnership with First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa, who serves as the organization's More Than a Mother Ambassador. The philanthropic entity has provided 166 training scholarships to Zimbabwean physicians across 44 medical specializations, including diabetes care, cardiology, fertility treatment, oncology, and pediatrics.
Merck Foundation CEO Rasha Kelej praised Mnangagwa's leadership while announcing the expanded commitment during an alumni summit in Harare, noting that participating doctors have consistently completed their programs with distinction. The collaboration additionally supports the Educating Linda Programme, which provides annual scholarships to 40 underprivileged girls and distributes learning materials more broadly.
Health Minister Douglas Mombeshora credited the initiative with addressing critical skills shortages and improving healthcare delivery across underserved regions. Beneficiaries from both medical and educational sectors shared testimonies about how the training and support have transformed their professional capabilities and personal circumstances.
Merck Foundation CEO Rasha Kelej praised Mnangagwa's leadership while announcing the expanded commitment during an alumni summit in Harare, noting that participating doctors have consistently completed their programs with distinction. The collaboration additionally supports the Educating Linda Programme, which provides annual scholarships to 40 underprivileged girls and distributes learning materials more broadly.
Health Minister Douglas Mombeshora credited the initiative with addressing critical skills shortages and improving healthcare delivery across underserved regions. Beneficiaries from both medical and educational sectors shared testimonies about how the training and support have transformed their professional capabilities and personal circumstances.
