Deadline: 30-Oct-2026
The Merck Foundation Fashion Awards 2026 invite African fashion students and designers to submit designs that promote healthy lifestyles and raise awareness about Diabetes and Hypertension prevention and early detection. Ten winners will each receive $500 USD, with submissions due by 30 October 2026 via email.
Overview of the Awards
The Merck Foundation Fashion Awards 2026 aim to combine creativity with public health awareness by encouraging African fashion talents to design garments or collections that deliver strong messages about healthy living and disease prevention.
Objectives
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Promote healthy lifestyle practices through fashion
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Raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension
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Empower African fashion students and designers
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Encourage youth creativity and innovation
Who Can Apply
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African fashion students and designers
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Works must clearly convey messages promoting healthy lifestyles and disease awareness
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Designs may be conceptual, wearable, or illustrative, provided they effectively communicate the theme
Award Details
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Number of Winners: 10
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Prize: USD 500 per winner
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Submissions will be evaluated for creativity, relevance, and impact
Submission Guidelines
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Submit entries via email with the subject line:
Merck Foundation Fashion Awards "Diabetes & Hypertension" -
Include the following in your email:
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Name
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Country
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Institution Name (if applicable)
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Contact details
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Submission Deadline: 30 October 2026
Selection Criteria
Entries will be evaluated on:
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Creativity and originality of the design
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Clarity in conveying healthy lifestyle and disease awareness messages
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Relevance to the theme of Diabetes and Hypertension prevention
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Potential for public engagement and impact
Winner Announcement
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Winners will be personally notified via email
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Public announcement through press releases, and on the Merck Foundation and partners’ websites and social media platforms
Tips for Applicants
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Focus on designs that communicate messages visually and creatively.
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Ensure the concept clearly aligns with healthy lifestyle promotion and disease awareness.
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Highlight originality and innovation in design execution.
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Provide clear identification details for proper communication.
FAQ
1. Who can participate?
African fashion students and designers.
2. What is the prize?
USD 500 per winner, with 10 winners selected.
3. How should entries be submitted?
Via email with the specified subject line and required personal and institutional details.
4. What is the submission deadline?
30 October 2026.
5. What are the evaluation criteria?
Creativity, originality, clarity of health messaging, and relevance to Diabetes and Hypertension awareness.
6. How will winners be notified?
First via email, followed by a public announcement on Merck Foundation platforms.
7. Can conceptual designs be submitted?
Yes, as long as they effectively convey the theme and message of healthy lifestyle and disease prevention.
Conclusion
The Merck Foundation Fashion Awards 2026 empower African fashion students and designers to merge creativity with public health advocacy, promoting healthy lifestyles and awareness of Diabetes and Hypertension. By highlighting innovative and impactful designs, the awards aim to inspire communities and nurture the next generation of fashion leaders committed to social and health-conscious messaging.
For more information, visit Merck Foundation.