On World Assisted Reproductive Technology Day 2026, Merck Foundation announced the award of 807 scholarships to healthcare professionals in 42 countries, boosting local expertise in embryology and fertility care. The initiative marks a historic step toward ending infertility stigma in Africa and Asia.

Key Takeaways

  • 807 scholarships distributed across 42 countries
  • First local embryologists and fertility specialists trained
  • Comprehensive campaign to break infertility stigma

Nairobi, Kenya & Mumbai, India – Merck Foundation marked World Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Day 2026 by awarding more than 800 scholarships under its “More Than a Mother” campaign, strengthening fertility care capacity in Africa and Asia.

Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, stated, “We are reshaping the fertility landscape together with African and Asian First Ladies. Our alumni are now the first local embryologists and fertility specialists in their countries.”

To date, Merck Foundation has granted over 2,650 scholarships to healthcare providers from 52 countries across 44 critical and underserved medical specialties. Of the 807 scholarships for fertility and reproductive care, 365 support clinical and practical training, while 442 fund PG diplomas and master’s degrees.

Historical Background

Over the past 11 years, the foundation has partnered with more than 33 African and Asian First Ladies to combat infertility stigma, empower women, and promote girls’ education. Initiatives such as “Empowering Berna” provide business training to women who cannot receive infertility treatment, fostering financial independence.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that building local expertise in embryology and fertility dramatically reduces dependency on costly overseas treatment, making reproductive health more accessible to millions of underserved families across Africa and Asia.

“Local expertise is the key to breaking the social chains of infertility,” says reproductive health expert Dr. Ajay Singh.
Did You Know?: In 2015, only three African countries had native embryologists; today that number has risen to over twelve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Who are these scholarships intended for?
A: Healthcare providers in embryology, fertility, obstetrics, urology, laparoscopic surgery, and family medicine.

Q2: How are scholarship recipients selected?
A: Candidates are chosen based on experience, training needs, and potential impact on local health systems, following Merck Foundation’s rigorous criteria.