Messages

Message from CEO of Merck Foundation, Dr. Rasha Kelej on Marking International Day of Girls and Women in Science by Providing 1195 scholarships to women healthcare providers to empower women in Science—International Day of Girls & Women in Science 2026

Merck Foundation CEO, Dr. Rasha Kelej with African schoolgirls, to mark International Day of Girls and Women in Science 2026. We at Merck Foundation mark ‘International Day of Girls and Women in Science 2026’ by actively supporting and empowering women in science and technology. Although women have made remarkable progress, they are still significantly underrepresented in these fields. Our […]

Message from CEO of Merck Foundation, Dr. Rasha Kelej on Marking International Day of Girls and Women in Science by Providing 1195 scholarships to women healthcare providers to empower women in Science—International Day of Girls & Women in Science 2026 Read More »

Message from Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation on marking International Women’s Day 2026

We mark International Women’s Day 2026, Together with the First Ladies of Africa and Asia, Ambassadors of our “More Than a Mother” Campaign, and our partners, by reinforcing our 14‑year commitment to empowering women and girls through impactful programs.  Senator, Dr Rasha Kelej during her visit to Uganda. The “More Than a Mother” movement continues to drive

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Message from Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, on being named among the “100 Most Impactful Voices 2026” by ABCD Africa

I am deeply honoured to be included in the ‘100 Most Impactful Voices 2026’ list. I sincerely thank ABCD Africa for acknowledging my work over the past 14 years to build healthcare capacity, transform the patient care landscape, break infertility stigma, empower women, and support girl education in Africa and beyond. This recognition is truly very special to me,

Message from Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, on being named among the “100 Most Impactful Voices 2026” by ABCD Africa Read More »

Message from CEO of Merck Foundation, Senator, Rasha Kelej, on marking International Women Day 2022 through programs “More Than a Mother”, “STEM Program for Women”, and “Educating Linda” in Africa and Asia

Happy Women’s Day to all the women in the world and to the men who support and empower women. Empowering women is the spirit of everything we do at Merck Foundation, and it is part of my DNA as a woman who succeeded through the right support to be CEO of Merck Foundation and to be

Message from CEO of Merck Foundation, Senator, Rasha Kelej, on marking International Women Day 2022 through programs “More Than a Mother”, “STEM Program for Women”, and “Educating Linda” in Africa and Asia Read More »

Message from CEO of Merck Foundation, Senator, Rasha Kelej, on ‘Plus qu’une MERE’ song dedicated to Merck Foundation by the daughter of Burundi First Lady

I am so happy to share with you an important contribution ‘Plus qu’une MERE’ by a very young talented artist ITEKA Lucky Louange (Lucky-Lou), the daughter of the More Than a Mother Ambassador and Burundi First Lady H.E. Madam ANGELINE NDAYISHIMIYE, and the President of Burundi. Thank you so much for this beautiful song dedicated to Merck Foundation

Message from CEO of Merck Foundation, Senator, Rasha Kelej, on ‘Plus qu’une MERE’ song dedicated to Merck Foundation by the daughter of Burundi First Lady Read More »

Message from CEO of Merck Foundation, Senator, Rasha Kelej on announcing winners of Merck Foundation Film Awards “More Than a Mother” 2021 in partnership with African First Ladies

I am extremely happy to announce the winners of Merck Foundation Film Awards “More Than a Mother” 2021 in partnership with African First Ladies. Big congratulations to all the winners. I appreciate the efforts put in by the young talents across Africa in their films through which they have beautifully conveyed important messages in line with

Message from CEO of Merck Foundation, Senator, Rasha Kelej on announcing winners of Merck Foundation Film Awards “More Than a Mother” 2021 in partnership with African First Ladies Read More »

Message from CEO of Merck Foundation, Senator, Rasha Kelej, on empowering Burundian girls through Merck Foundation Educating Linda program in partnership with Burundi First Lady

It is an honor to witness the great work that my dear sister, The First Lady of Burundi and Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother”, H.E. Madam ANGELINE NDAYISHIMIYE, is doing under The Foundation Bonne action – Umugiraneza in collaboration with Merck Foundation to support girls enrolled in “Educating Linda” program with school fees and school supplies.

Message from CEO of Merck Foundation, Senator, Rasha Kelej, on empowering Burundian girls through Merck Foundation Educating Linda program in partnership with Burundi First Lady Read More »

Message from CEO of Merck Foundation, Senator, Rasha Kelej, marking the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation 2022

Stop FGM, no Health benefits, only Harm. We, at Merck Foundation, advocate for stopping FGM and saving our girls from the harmful complications that it causes such as; severe pain, prolonged bleeding, infection, infertility, and even death. It can also lead to an increased risk of HIV transmission. FGM can cause severe complications during childbirth, including postpartum hemorrhage,

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Message from CEO of Merck Foundation, Senator, Rasha Kelej, marking ‘World Cancer Day 2022’ with African First Ladies by transforming cancer care in Africa

We, at Merck Foundation, together with African First Ladies, mark World Cancer Day every day, in a very special way and unique way. That is by transforming and advancing cancer care in Africa by building professional capacity and improving access to quality and equitable cancer care in the continent. We are making history together by providing this

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Senator, Rasha Kelej, Merck Foundation CEO on a mission to support girl education and transform patient care in Africa

Dr. Kelej was acknowledged as one of the 100 Most Influential African Women Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, an African woman to hold the position of the first CEO to Merck Foundation . She is also Senator at the Egyptian Senate, a strong crusader for transforming patient care in Africa and developing countries, passionate advocate of women’s rights and

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