Merck launches ThyroAfrica Initiative in Kenya to enhance thyroid health awareness
Global pharmaceutical giant Merck on Friday launched ThyroAfrica in Kenya, a pioneering thyroid disease awareness campaign aimed at tackling the rising burden of thyroid disorders across Africa. The launch, held in Nairobi just weeks ahead of World Thyroid Day on May 25, brought together global medical experts to chart a new course for thyroid care on the continent.
Built on three pillars — Patient Awareness, Health Care Provider (HCP) Diagnosis Excellence, and Partnership — ThyroAfrica seeks to improve early diagnosis, enhance treatment, and foster collaboration between healthcare providers, laboratories, and policymakers.
“Thyroid disorders are among the most widespread diseases globally, yet remain largely underdiagnosed,” said Mr. John Ndeti, General Manager at Merck. “Hypothyroidism alone affects an estimated 200 million people worldwide, but only 20 percent receive appropriate treatment due to a lack of diagnosis.”
Patient Awareness initiatives under ThyroAfrica will include targeted social media campaigns and community engagements to educate the public about hypothyroidism symptoms and encourage timely medical consultations. For healthcare providers, the program offers diagnostic support through educational webinars, case studies, and the free T-Lab mobile app, designed to assist in accurate thyroid disorder management.
The Partnership pillar focuses on strengthening ties with local laboratories, health organizations, and policymakers to expand access to TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone) testing and treatment. Through Project Vezeeta, ThyroAfrica will connect undiagnosed patients to nearby healthcare facilities for proper diagnosis and care.
Highlighting the urgency, Joshua Mugweru, Business Unit Head Sub-Saharan Africa at DP World for Merck, noted the absence of baseline data on thyroid disorders in Kenya and the wider African region. “Many patients are only diagnosed accidentally when seeking care for other conditions,” he said. “ThyroAfrica aims to bridge this gap by raising awareness and subsidizing the cost of TSH testing.”
Data from a 2022 study by Dr. Beryl O. Muyodi and colleagues at Kenyatta National Hospital showed a 36.8 percent prevalence of thyroid disorders among heart failure patients, underscoring the critical link between thyroid dysfunction and non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular conditions.
Dr. Rosslyn Ngugi, Consultant Endocrinologist and Chair of the Kenya Diabetes Study Group (KDSG), delivered the keynote address, describing ThyroAfrica as a “call to action” for the healthcare community.
“ThyroAfrica is about more than awareness — it’s about building a future where thyroid disorders are no longer overlooked, and every patient receives timely, accurate care,” said Dr. Ngugi. “This initiative marks a pivotal step toward strengthening healthcare systems and advancing long-term progress in thyroid care across Africa.”
With millions of Africans suffering silently from thyroid conditions, Merck’s ThyroAfrica campaign is poised to make thyroid health a public health priority, setting the stage for sustained investment in endocrine health and comprehensive non-communicable disease management on the continent.
“This is just the beginning,” Dr. Ngugi added. “We envision a future where thyroid health is fully integrated into Africa’s broader healthcare agenda — ensuring that no patient is left behind.”
