{"id":8542,"date":"2026-04-07T13:29:27","date_gmt":"2026-04-07T09:29:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/?p=8542"},"modified":"2026-04-07T13:37:36","modified_gmt":"2026-04-07T09:37:36","slug":"message-from-senator-dr-rasha-kelej-ceo-of-merck-foundation-on-meeting-the-gambia-first-lady-at-the-7th-edition-of-merck-foundation-first-ladies-initiative-summit-2025-to-discuss-joint-programs-to","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/?p=8542","title":{"rendered":"Message from Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, on Meeting The Gambia First Lady at the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit 2025 to Discuss Joint Programs to Build Healthcare Capacity"},"content":{"rendered":"<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"971\" src=\"https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Main-_-Merck-Foundation-CEO-with-The-First-Lady-of-Zimbabwe-at-the-7th-Edition-of-MFFLI-Summit1-1024x971.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8543\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Main-_-Merck-Foundation-CEO-with-The-First-Lady-of-Zimbabwe-at-the-7th-Edition-of-MFFLI-Summit1-1024x971.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Main-_-Merck-Foundation-CEO-with-The-First-Lady-of-Zimbabwe-at-the-7th-Edition-of-MFFLI-Summit1-300x284.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Main-_-Merck-Foundation-CEO-with-The-First-Lady-of-Zimbabwe-at-the-7th-Edition-of-MFFLI-Summit1-768x728.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Main-_-Merck-Foundation-CEO-with-The-First-Lady-of-Zimbabwe-at-the-7th-Edition-of-MFFLI-Summit1-600x569.jpg 600w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Main-_-Merck-Foundation-CEO-with-The-First-Lady-of-Zimbabwe-at-the-7th-Edition-of-MFFLI-Summit1.jpg 1266w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em><a><strong>Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation &amp; President of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<strong>H.E. Mrs. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW, First Lady of the Republic of The Gambia and Ambassador of Merck Foundation \u201cMore Than a Mother\u201d<\/strong><\/a><\/em><\/p><p>It was a pleasure welcoming and meeting my dear sister, H.E. Mrs. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW, First Lady of the Republic of The Gambia and Ambassador of Merck Foundation \u201cMore Than a Mother\u201d at 7<sup>th<\/sup>\u00a0Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit.\u00a0It was inaugurated by\u00a0<strong>Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees<\/strong>, and\u00a0<strong>Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation &amp; President of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative<\/strong>\u00a0and<strong>\u00a0H.E. Dr. ANA DIAS LOUREN\u00c7O, The First Lady of the Republic of Angola &amp; Ambassador of Merck Foundation \u201cMore Than a Mother\u201d,\u00a0<\/strong>along with<strong>\u00a0First Ladies of Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Maldives, Mozambique, Nigeria, S\u00e3o Tom\u00e9 and Pr\u00edncipe, Senegal, and Zimbabwe.<\/strong><\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Image-2-Merck-Foundation-Chairman-and-CEO-with-the-First-Ladies-of-Africa-and-Asia-during-the-MFFLI-SUMMIT-20251-6-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8544\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Image-2-Merck-Foundation-Chairman-and-CEO-with-the-First-Ladies-of-Africa-and-Asia-during-the-MFFLI-SUMMIT-20251-6-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Image-2-Merck-Foundation-Chairman-and-CEO-with-the-First-Ladies-of-Africa-and-Asia-during-the-MFFLI-SUMMIT-20251-6-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Image-2-Merck-Foundation-Chairman-and-CEO-with-the-First-Ladies-of-Africa-and-Asia-during-the-MFFLI-SUMMIT-20251-6-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Image-2-Merck-Foundation-Chairman-and-CEO-with-the-First-Ladies-of-Africa-and-Asia-during-the-MFFLI-SUMMIT-20251-6-1536x1023.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Image-2-Merck-Foundation-Chairman-and-CEO-with-the-First-Ladies-of-Africa-and-Asia-during-the-MFFLI-SUMMIT-20251-6-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Image-2-Merck-Foundation-Chairman-and-CEO-with-the-First-Ladies-of-Africa-and-Asia-during-the-MFFLI-SUMMIT-20251-6.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em><strong>Merck Foundation Chairman, CEO, and 14 First Ladies inaugurate the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative &#8211; MFFLI Summit in Dubai 2025<\/strong><\/em><\/p><p>Together with my dear sister, we have achieved a lot, since our partnership journey began in 2017. We have provided 87 scholarships for local Gambian doctors in many critical and underserved specialties like Fertility &amp; Embryology, Oncology, Diabetes, Endocrinology, Sexual &amp; Reproductive Care, Neonatal Care, Internal Medicine, Respiratory Medicine, Acute Medicine and more. Together, we are making history in The Gambia by providing training to first specialists in many fields such as Oncology, Respiratory, Fertility, Embryology, Reproductive Care, Diabetes, Endocrinology, and we will continue to transform the patient care in the country.<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Merck-Foundation-CEO-with-The-First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-at-the-7th-Edition-of-MFFLI-Summit-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8545\" style=\"width:1026px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Merck-Foundation-CEO-with-The-First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-at-the-7th-Edition-of-MFFLI-Summit-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Merck-Foundation-CEO-with-The-First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-at-the-7th-Edition-of-MFFLI-Summit-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Merck-Foundation-CEO-with-The-First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-at-the-7th-Edition-of-MFFLI-Summit-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Merck-Foundation-CEO-with-The-First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-at-the-7th-Edition-of-MFFLI-Summit-600x900.jpg 600w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Merck-Foundation-CEO-with-The-First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-at-the-7th-Edition-of-MFFLI-Summit.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure><p>Merck Foundation has been committed to transforming patient care since 2012, and I am proud to share that we have provided over 2,280 scholarships for doctors from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved specialties.<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"623\" src=\"https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Merck-Foundation-Chairman-and-CEO-with-the-First-Ladies-of-Africa-and-Asia-during-the-MFFLI-SUMMIT-2025-4-5-1024x623.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8546\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Merck-Foundation-Chairman-and-CEO-with-the-First-Ladies-of-Africa-and-Asia-during-the-MFFLI-SUMMIT-2025-4-5-1024x623.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Merck-Foundation-Chairman-and-CEO-with-the-First-Ladies-of-Africa-and-Asia-during-the-MFFLI-SUMMIT-2025-4-5-300x182.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Merck-Foundation-Chairman-and-CEO-with-the-First-Ladies-of-Africa-and-Asia-during-the-MFFLI-SUMMIT-2025-4-5-768x467.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Merck-Foundation-Chairman-and-CEO-with-the-First-Ladies-of-Africa-and-Asia-during-the-MFFLI-SUMMIT-2025-4-5-1536x934.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Merck-Foundation-Chairman-and-CEO-with-the-First-Ladies-of-Africa-and-Asia-during-the-MFFLI-SUMMIT-2025-4-5-600x365.jpg 600w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Merck-Foundation-Chairman-and-CEO-with-the-First-Ladies-of-Africa-and-Asia-during-the-MFFLI-SUMMIT-2025-4-5.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Watch the Speech of The First Lady of The Gambia &amp; Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother during the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit 2025 here:<\/strong><\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"ast-oembed-container \" style=\"height: 100%;\"><iframe title=\"Gambia FL, H.E.Mrs.FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW @7th @MerckFoundation First Ladies Initiative Summit 2025\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/OeOLoyBvUB0?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure><p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Watch the video of MFFLI<\/strong>\u00a0<strong>committee meeting:<\/strong><\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"ast-oembed-container \" style=\"height: 100%;\"><iframe title=\"Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej @ Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative - MFFLI Committee Meeting 2025\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/G2YlJgkagNQ?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure><p>Moreover, as a part of our \u201cEducating Linda\u201d program, we are also supporting the education of 40 high-performing yet underprivileged schoolgirls annually in The Gambia, in partnership with The First Lady of The Gambia. Through these scholarships we are empowering the young girls with knowledge and giving them the opportunity to shape a brighter and more secure future for themselves, their families, and their communities.<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-1-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8547\" style=\"width:1026px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-1-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-1-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-1-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-1-600x900.jpg 600w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-1.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"885\" src=\"https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-2-1024x885.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8548\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-2-1024x885.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-2-300x259.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-2-768x663.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-2-600x518.jpg 600w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-2.jpg 1389w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><p>Additionally, we have conducted three editions of our Online Health Media Training in partnership with the Office of the First Lady to equip Gambian journalists to raise awareness on critical social and health issues. We have also launched seven children\u2019s storybooks\u2014\u201cMore Than a Mother,\u201d \u201cEducating Linda,\u201d \u201cJackline\u2019s Rescue,\u201d \u201cNot Who You Are,\u201d \u201cRide into the Future,\u201d \u201cSugar Free Jude,\u201d and \u201cMark\u2019s Pressure\u201d\u2014to address issues like breaking infertility stigma, supporting girl education, stopping GBV, and promoting diabetes and hypertension awareness.<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-8-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8549\" style=\"width:1026px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-8-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-8-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-8-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-8-600x900.jpg 600w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-8.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-7-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8550\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-7-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-7-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-7-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-7-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-7-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-7.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-6-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8551\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-6-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-6-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-6-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-6-1536x1023.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-6-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-6.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-10-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8552\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-10-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-10-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-10-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-10-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-10-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-10.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"644\" src=\"https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Merck-Foundation-Chairman-and-CEO-with-the-First-Ladies-of-Africa-and-Asia-during-the-MFFLI-SUMMIT-2025-5-5-1024x644.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8553\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Merck-Foundation-Chairman-and-CEO-with-the-First-Ladies-of-Africa-and-Asia-during-the-MFFLI-SUMMIT-2025-5-5-1024x644.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Merck-Foundation-Chairman-and-CEO-with-the-First-Ladies-of-Africa-and-Asia-during-the-MFFLI-SUMMIT-2025-5-5-300x189.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Merck-Foundation-Chairman-and-CEO-with-the-First-Ladies-of-Africa-and-Asia-during-the-MFFLI-SUMMIT-2025-5-5-768x483.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Merck-Foundation-Chairman-and-CEO-with-the-First-Ladies-of-Africa-and-Asia-during-the-MFFLI-SUMMIT-2025-5-5-1536x967.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Merck-Foundation-Chairman-and-CEO-with-the-First-Ladies-of-Africa-and-Asia-during-the-MFFLI-SUMMIT-2025-5-5-600x378.jpg 600w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Merck-Foundation-Chairman-and-CEO-with-the-First-Ladies-of-Africa-and-Asia-during-the-MFFLI-SUMMIT-2025-5-5.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Merck-Foundation-Chairman-CEO-along-with-14-First-Ladies-during-7th-Edition-of-Merck-Foundation-First-Ladies-Initiative-Summi-141-4-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8554\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Merck-Foundation-Chairman-CEO-along-with-14-First-Ladies-during-7th-Edition-of-Merck-Foundation-First-Ladies-Initiative-Summi-141-4-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Merck-Foundation-Chairman-CEO-along-with-14-First-Ladies-during-7th-Edition-of-Merck-Foundation-First-Ladies-Initiative-Summi-141-4-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Merck-Foundation-Chairman-CEO-along-with-14-First-Ladies-during-7th-Edition-of-Merck-Foundation-First-Ladies-Initiative-Summi-141-4-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Merck-Foundation-Chairman-CEO-along-with-14-First-Ladies-during-7th-Edition-of-Merck-Foundation-First-Ladies-Initiative-Summi-141-4-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Merck-Foundation-Chairman-CEO-along-with-14-First-Ladies-during-7th-Edition-of-Merck-Foundation-First-Ladies-Initiative-Summi-141-4-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Merck-Foundation-Chairman-CEO-along-with-14-First-Ladies-during-7th-Edition-of-Merck-Foundation-First-Ladies-Initiative-Summi-141-4.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><p>During the Summit, we announced the Call for Applications for our eight Merck Foundation Awards in partnership with The First Lady of The Gambia for Media, Musicians, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers, students, and new potential talents. These awards aim to inspire creative storytelling to address social and health issues like Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, and Ending FGM. I invite The Gambia\u2019s young talents to submit their work to\u00a0<strong>submit@merck-foundation.com<\/strong>\u00a0by 30th September 2025 for \u201cMore Than a Mother\u201d awards and 30th October 2025 for \u201cDiabetes &amp; Hypertension\u201d awards.<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"557\" src=\"https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MFFLI-2025-3-4-1024x557.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8555\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MFFLI-2025-3-4-1024x557.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MFFLI-2025-3-4-300x163.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MFFLI-2025-3-4-768x418.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MFFLI-2025-3-4-1536x835.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MFFLI-2025-3-4-600x326.jpg 600w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MFFLI-2025-3-4.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-23-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8556\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-23-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-23-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-23-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-23-1536x1023.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-23-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-23.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"607\" src=\"https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-4-1024x607.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8557\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-4-1024x607.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-4-300x178.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-4-768x455.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-4-1536x910.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-4-600x356.jpg 600w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-4.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><p>The Summit\u2019s hybrid format enabled over 6,000 participants from more than 70 countries to join our discussions, amplifying our impact.<\/p><p><strong>Kind Regards,<br>Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej<br>CEO of Merck Foundation<br>President of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative (MFFLI)<br>President of \u201cMore Than a Mother\u201d Campaign<\/strong><\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-21-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8558\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-21-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-21-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-21-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-21-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-21-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-21.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"621\" src=\"https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MFFLI-2025-6-5-1024x621.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8559\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MFFLI-2025-6-5-1024x621.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MFFLI-2025-6-5-300x182.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MFFLI-2025-6-5-768x466.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MFFLI-2025-6-5-1536x932.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MFFLI-2025-6-5-600x364.jpg 600w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MFFLI-2025-6-5.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"621\" src=\"https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MFFLI-2025-6-6-1024x621.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8560\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MFFLI-2025-6-6-1024x621.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MFFLI-2025-6-6-300x182.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MFFLI-2025-6-6-768x466.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MFFLI-2025-6-6-1536x932.jpg 1536w, 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src=\"https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-5-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8564\" style=\"width:1026px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-5-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-5-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-5-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-5-600x900.jpg 600w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-5.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-28-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8565\" style=\"width:1026px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-28-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-28-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-28-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-28-600x900.jpg 600w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-28.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-11-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8566\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-11-1024x683.jpg 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https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-12-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-12-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-12-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-12-1-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-12-1.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-13-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8568\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-13-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-13-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-13-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-13-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-13-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-13.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-16-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8569\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-16-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-16-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-16-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-16-1536x1023.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-16-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-16.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-17-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8570\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-17-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-17-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-17-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-17-1536x1023.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-17-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-17.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-25-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8571\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-25-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-25-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-25-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-25-1536x1023.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-25-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-25.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-18-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8572\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/First-Lady-of-The-Gambia-18-1024x683.jpg 1024w, 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Mrs. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW, First Lady of the Republic of The Gambia and Ambassador of Merck Foundation \u201cMore Than a Mother\u201d It was a pleasure welcoming and meeting my dear sister, H.E. Mrs. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW, First Lady of the Republic [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":8543,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[24],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8542","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-message"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v24.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Message from Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, on Meeting The Gambia First Lady at the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit 2025 to Discuss Joint Programs to Build Healthcare Capacity | Rasha Kelej<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/?p=8542\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Message from Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, on Meeting The Gambia First Lady at the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit 2025 to Discuss Joint Programs to Build Healthcare Capacity | Rasha Kelej\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation &amp; President of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative\u00a0and\u00a0H.E. 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