I am deeply honored to be recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential African Women for the seventh consecutive year. It is a privilege to be named alongside Africa’s esteemed leaders, including the Presidents of Tanzania and Namibia, and so many inspiring change-makers. Congratulations to all the remarkable women recognized this year.
It is especially heartwarming that this recognition comes shortly after being named one of the 100 Most Influential Africans 2025 by New African Magazine (UK).
I am grateful for this recognition, which acknowledges Merck Foundation’s unwavering commitment to building healthcare capacity, transforming patient care landscape with a strong focus on women’s health, empowering infertile women in particular and women in general, and supporting girl education.
Over the past 13 years, I haveworked closely with more than 33 African and Asian First Ladies as Ambassadors of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” in their countries, to lead our programs to build healthcare capacity, break infertility stigma and support girl education.
I am delighted to share that we have provided 2500 scholarships for healthcare providers from 52 countries, across 44 critical and underserved medical specialties. I am proud that many of our alumni have become, or are on their way to becoming, the first specialists in their respective countries. We are creating a history.
Moreover, out of the total 2500+ scholarships, nearly 1200 have been provided to women healthcare professionals, reflecting our commitment to empower women in healthcare.
Through our “Educating Linda” Program, in partnership with African and Asian First Ladies, we are providing more than 1200 annual scholarships to deserving yet underprivileged African schoolgirls from 19 countries, enabling them to complete their studies and achieve their full potential.
This honor further motivates us to build a lasting legacy of impact and change across Africa for generations to come.
Kind Regards,
Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.)
CEO of Merck Foundation
President of “More Than a Mother”