Merck Launches ThyroAfrica Campaign to Combat Growing Burden of Thyroid Disorders in Africa

Global pharmaceutical giant Merck launched ThyroAfrica, a thyroid disease awareness campaign aimed at addressing the rising burden of thyroid disorders across Africa.

The launch event in Nairobi brought together leading global medical experts to discuss the future of thyroid care, tackling challenges and innovative solutions to improve patient outcomes.

ThyroAfrica seeks to confront the widespread but often overlooked issue of thyroid diseases, especially hypothyroidism and altered Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) levels, which affect millions across the continent.

Anchored on three key pillars Patient Awareness, Healthcare Provider (HCP) Diagnosis Excellence, and Partnership the campaign is designed to transform the patient journey from unawareness to effective treatment.Through targeted social media campaigns and community outreach, the initiative aims to educate the public on the symptoms of hypothyroidism, encouraging early medical consultation.

Healthcare professionals will also benefit from training resources, webinars, and case studies, while a free mobile application, T-Lab, will assist in accurate diagnosis and dosage management.

Moreover, Merck’s Project Vezeeta underlines the partnership pillar, linking patients with local healthcare facilities for TSH testing and consultations.

By collaborating with laboratories, healthcare organizations, and policymakers, ThyroAfrica aims to improve access to diagnosis and affordable treatment, a move seen as critical in a region where thyroid disease remains significantly underdiagnosed.

Speaking at the launch,John Ndeti,Merck General Manager, emphasized the urgent need for action.

“Thyroid disorders are some of the most widespread yet underdiagnosed diseases globally. An estimated 200 million people suffer from hypothyroidism, but only 20 percent receive proper treatment,” said Ndeti.”

In Africa, the lack of epidemiological data has resulted in the absence of screening and treatment guidelines, meaning many patients are diagnosed late when the disease has already advanced.

Joshua Mugweru, Merck’s Business Unit Head for Sub-Saharan Africa at DP World, cited a 2022 study by Kenyan researchers that found a 36.8 percent prevalence of thyroid disorders among heart failure patients at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH).

“Our goal with ThyroAfrica is to bridge this gap raising awareness, improving access to TSH testing, and ultimately reducing the cost of treatment,” Mugweru stated.

Dr. Rosslyn Ngugi, Consultant Physician, Endocrinologist, and Chair of the Kenya Diabetes Study Group (KDSG), hailed ThyroAfrica as a landmark step in Africa’s healthcare evolution.

“ThyroAfrica is more than just an awareness campaign it’s a call to action. It unites health professionals, policymakers, and communities toward building a future where thyroid disorders are no longer overlooked,” said Dr. Ngugi.”

With Merck’s backing and regional cooperation, we can make thyroid health a public health priority, integrating it into the broader non-communicable disease agenda.

The launch of ThyroAfrica comes just weeks before World Thyroid Day, observed globally on May 25. With approximately 12 million Africans living with thyroid conditions many undiagnosed the initiative offers hope for early detection, better care, and improved quality of life for millions across the continent.

“This is just the beginning.No one should be left behind in the fight against thyroid disorders.”Dr Ngugi added.