Senator, Dr Rasha Kelej with schoolgirls in Namibia
I am truly honored to be featured by Vogue India in their article, “Leading with Courage and Conviction: Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej on empowering women, advancing healthcare, and transforming media in Africa.” This recognition celebrates our innovative approach at Merck Foundation to harness the power of art, fashion, and media to drive meaningful social change across Africa and beyond.
Merck Foundation CEO and Chairman together with African First Ladies in Mumbai, India during the 10th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary
I have been a long-time Vogue reader, and I am truly delighted to be featured by Vogue India for my creative approach to driving social change. Africa is a continent full of vibrant culture, colour, and creativity, and I’ve always believed that fashion, art, and media can be powerful instruments to inspire positive change—beyond just entertainment. This belief led me to develop innovative initiatives such as Our Africa TV program, Songs, Children’s storybooks, Animation Films, and Awards for the best Media, Song, Film and Fashion Designs. These initiatives are aimed at raising awareness about critical and sensitive social and health issues, in a relatable and impactful way.
CEO of Merck Foundation, Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej with infertile women during her visit to The Gambia
I am proud that this work is being recognized and shared as a meaningful case study with Vogue readers around the world.
Senator, Dr Rasha Kelej with Merck Foundation Alumni
I am immensely proud of our partnerships with over 28 African First Ladies, working hand in hand to transform healthcare and empower communities. Through Merck Foundation, we have provided over 2,280 scholarships to young doctors from 52 countries in more than 44 critical and underserved medical specialties, significantly enhancing healthcare capacity across the continent. Additionally, our “Educating Linda” program has provided 800 scholarships to high-performing but underprivileged African schoolgirls, empowering them to complete their education and pursue their dreams.
Our Africa by Merck Foundation (TV Program) conceptualized, produced, directed, and hosted by Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation
This feature by Vogue India highlights our commitment to addressing critical social issues such as Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Ending Gender-Based Violence (GBV) & Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), and Child Marriage, as well as raising awareness about health issues like Diabetes & Hypertension. Our innovative initiatives, including Our Africa TV program, Songs, Children’s Storybooks, Animation Films, and Awards for Media, Song, Film, and Fashion Designs, continue to inspire and engage communities in impactful ways. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Vogue India for recognizing our efforts and to our partners, supporters, and team members who have been integral to Merck Foundation’s mission. We remain committed to empowering women, supporting girl education, and improving access to quality and equitable healthcare in Africa, Asia, and beyond.
Our Africa by Merck Foundation (TV Program) conceptualized, produced, directed, and hosted by Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation
Click here to read the full Vogue India article, which offers deeper insights into Dr. Rasha Kelej’s impactful initiatives and the far-reaching work of Merck Foundation across Africa and beyond:
Kind Regards,
Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej,
CEO of Merck Foundation