The Merck Foundation’s influence on Botswana’s healthcare system continues to grow as an increasing number of professionals return from advanced training, prepared to confront pressing medical challenges. Among these dedicated individuals is Dr. Tochukwu Chidiebere Umunnakwe, who recently completed a distinguished Gynecology Oncology Fellowship through the esteemed Merck Foundation program in 2025.
Driven by a deep-seated passion for gynecology and sexual reproductive health, Dr. Umunnakwe embarked on this fellowship after witnessing the harrowing consequences of gynecological cancers—particularly cervical and ovarian cancer—among his patients. He observed that many arrived too late for effective intervention, a delay rooted not only in patients’ hesitance to seek care but also in systemic deficiencies—most notably, Botswana’s critical shortage of oncologists.
“The most obvious shortcoming was the long waiting times to see a specialist,” he recalls. “I saw the Merck Foundation’s program as a great opportunity to gain the clinical acumen and skills needed to address these problems.”
His aspirations harmonized seamlessly with the Merck Foundation’s mission to enhance access to quality healthcare in low- and middle-income countries by cultivating specialists in underrepresented medical fields. This synergy enabled Dr. Umunnakwe not only to refine his clinical capabilities but also to deepen his dedication to public health advocacy.
The fellowship was transformative. “The training exposed me to the latest evidence-based practices in cancer diagnosis and treatment, under the mentorship of global oncology experts,” he shared. “It strengthened my clinical knowledge, improved my interpersonal skills, and boosted my confidence in managing patients holistically.”
Though freshly graduated, Dr. Umunnakwe is already laying plans to translate his new expertise into tangible improvements. His ambitions include launching an outpatient clinic focused on gynecological and breast cancer screening and diagnosis, establishing an inpatient treatment unit, and spearheading or joining multidisciplinary teams to tackle complex cancer cases. He also intends to amplify awareness through social media platforms and community outreach.
Yet, like many alumni returning home, Dr. Umunnakwe anticipates obstacles—chief among them, limited access to vital resources such as chemotherapy drugs and advanced diagnostic technologies like MRI, CT, and PET scans. “These limitations may hinder the full application of my training,” he acknowledges.
To safeguard the sustainability and extend the impact of this initiative, Dr. Umunnakwe advocates for the Merck Foundation to offer regular refresher courses and financial backing for alumni-led projects. “Oncology is an evolving field,” he explains. “We need to stay current with emerging treatments and technologies.”
He also champions the formation of a community among professionals. “Establishing a Merck Foundation Alumni Association in Botswana would foster collaboration, mentorship, and knowledge sharing. It would support both new and returning alumni to maximize their impact.”
Eager to mentor future cohorts and spearhead public education campaigns, Dr. Umunnakwe exemplifies the Merck Foundation’s vision of generating a ripple effect within healthcare. His journey transcends personal advancement—it is a testament to the power of education to transform lives and strengthen health systems.
As more alumni return to Botswana equipped with specialized skills, the country moves steadily toward universal access to expert care. Through initiatives like this, hope is not merely taught—it is embodied, practiced, and passed forward.
