I am deeply honoured to be recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential Africans by New African (UK), and to be named alongside the esteemed leaders of our continent, including the Presidents of Angola, Ghana, and South Africa, as well as many other change makers. Congratulations to all. This recognition is very special to me, as it acknowledges my continued efforts to build and strengthen healthcare capacity, empower women living with infertility, and support girl education through our Merck Foundation programs. It only encourages me and motivates me and my team to strengthen our commitment to continue my efforts to create lasting, equitable impact across Africa for generations to come.
Over the past 13 years, we have worked closely with more than 33 African and Asian First Ladies as Ambassadors of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” in their countries, to lead their programs and key partners including Ministries of Health, Information, Education & Gender, Academia, Policymakers, International Fertility Societies, Media and Art from over 52 countries.
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 building a lasting legacy in Africa.
Through the Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” campaign, which I created in 2015, we are building quality and equitable reproductive and fertility care capacity, breaking infertility stigma, raising awareness about infertility prevention and male infertility, and supporting girl education. Through this strong movement, we are empowering infertile and childless women by providing access to information, education, healthcare, and a positive change of mindset across 42 African and Asian countries.
We have provided out of the 2500 scholarships, 770 scholarships for healthcare providers from 42 countries, of clinical training of Fertility care and Embryology, and One year PG Diploma and two-year Master Degree in Sexual and Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Psychiatry, Women’s Health, Biotechnology of Human Assisted Reproduction & Embryology, Urology, Laparoscopic Surgical skills and Family Medicine. These specialists are critical to advance quality and equitable women health in general and reproductive and fertility care in particular.
Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and Merck Foundation Alumni
Moreover, we have also supported childless women by helping them start their own small businesses through “Empowering Berna” program. It is all about giving every woman the respect and support she deserves to lead a fulfilling life, with or without a child.
In partnership with African First Ladies, we have provided more than 1200 annual scholarships to high-performing and underprivileged African schoolgirls from 19 countries, enabling them to complete their studies and reach their potential. Countries such as 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 other.
Through our remarkable leadership, we have united the media, fashion, and arts communities to be the voice of the voiceless. Our unique initiatives, including a Pan-African TV program, Health Media Training, Annual Awards for best media, song, fashion design and film, awareness songs, children’s storybooks, and animations films have created a culture shift in communities.
This recognition reinforces our mission and strengthens our resolve to continue transforming lives, advancing women’s empowerment, and building a healthier and more equitable Africa.
Kind Regards,
Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.)
CEO of Merck Foundation
President, Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother”
