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, and it inspires me to continue my efforts to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people.
I also congratulate all the deserving women who have been recognized on this list. Together, we will continue to use our voices to inspire positive change and create a better future for our communities.
This recognition adds to the recent honours, including being named among the “100 Most Influential Africans 2025” by New African Magazine and the “100 Most Influential African Women” by Avance Media for the seventh consecutive year.
Through the “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” campaign, created to empower infertile and childless women, I work closely with over 33 African and Asian First Ladies who serve as Ambassadors of the initiative. I deeply value our partnership and sisterhood.
We have provided over 2,500 scholarships for healthcare providers from 52 countries in 44 underserved specialties, helping to improve access to quality and equitable healthcare.
Moreover, in partnership with African First Ladies, we have to date provided more than 1,200 annual scholarships to underprivileged yet deserving schoolgirls from 19 countries, helping them complete their education and reach their potential. The program is actively running across several African countries including Botswana, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, São Tomé and Príncipe, Tanzania, Togo, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and others.
I also established the “Art and Fashion with Purpose” community to address critical health and social issues, including breaking infertility stigma, supporting girl education, ending female genital mutilation and child marriage, stopping gender‑based violence, and raising awareness about diabetes, hypertension, and cancer. We have launched several community awareness programs, including Health Media Trainings, songs, children’s storybooks, animation films, awards for best media, song, film, and fashion design, and a Pan‑African TV program titled “Our Africa.”
Kind Regards,
Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.)
CEO of Merck Foundation
President of “More Than a Mother” Campaign
