Dr. Rasha Kelej Strengthens Leadership as One of Africa’s 100 Most Influential Women for 2025

Dr. Rasha Kelej, the CEO of Merck Foundation and President of the “More Than a Mother” Campaign, has been named one of the 100 Most Influential African Women for 2025 by Avance Media. This marks her seventh consecutive year on the prestigious list, which recognizes her alongside prominent leaders such as H.E. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of Tanzania, and H.E. Ndemupelila Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of Namibia. This recognition underscores her steadfast commitment to women’s empowerment, girls’ education, and the enhancement of patient care across Africa.

The annual list celebrates African women whose leadership and achievements significantly influence decision-making at both local and international levels.

Commitment to Empowerment and Education

In response to her recognition, Dr. Kelej expressed her gratitude, stating that it is an honor to be acknowledged among esteemed leaders and inspiring change-makers. She emphasized the importance of this recognition, which highlights the Merck Foundation’s dedication to building healthcare capacity, particularly in women’s health, and supporting girls’ education to help them reach their full potential. Dr. Kelej’s leadership has been pivotal in creating a lasting impact across the continent.

Transformative Leadership at Merck Foundation

Under Dr. Kelej’s direction, the Merck Foundation has initiated several high-impact programs aimed at improving healthcare access and quality. These include the Scholarship Program for Healthcare Providers, which enhances the patient care landscape across Africa, and the “More Than a Mother” movement, launched in 2015 to address infertility stigma and promote reproductive health. Additionally, the “Educating Linda” Program supports girls’ education in various African nations.

Over the past 11 years, Dr. Kelej has collaborated with more than 33 First Ladies of Africa and Asia, who serve as ambassadors for the Merck Foundation’s initiatives, working alongside ministries and various sectors to foster healthcare and education.

Enhancing Healthcare Capacity

The Merck Foundation has awarded over 2,500 scholarships to healthcare providers from 52 countries, covering more than 44 critical medical specialties. Prior to the foundation’s programs, many countries, including The Gambia, Liberia, and Chad, faced significant shortages of specialists in essential fields such as oncology and reproductive care. Dr. Kelej’s leadership has been instrumental in addressing these gaps, contributing to the establishment of the first-ever specialists in several countries.

Focus on Women and Girls in STEM

Among the scholarships awarded, nearly 1,200 have been granted to female healthcare professionals, reflecting a strong commitment to empowering women in the healthcare sector. The Merck Foundation also hosts the MARS Awards (Merck Africa Research Summit) annually to honor outstanding African women and young researchers, promoting scientific research and women’s participation in STEM, particularly in women’s health.

Through the “Educating Linda” Program, Dr. Kelej supports the education of over 1,200 girls in 19 African countries, providing scholarships and essential school supplies to underprivileged students. This initiative aims to ensure that these girls can complete their education and realize their potential.

Raising Awareness Through Innovation and Creativity

Dr. Kelej is actively engaged in raising awareness on critical social issues, including infertility stigma, child marriage, and gender-based violence. She believes that media, fashion, and art can be powerful tools for advocacy and cultural change.

She has produced and directed the pan-African TV program “Our Africa by Merck Foundation,” which addresses health and social issues through creative mediums. The program is broadcast across multiple African nations and is accessible on various social media platforms.

In her advocacy efforts, Dr. Kelej has:

• Produced over 30 awareness songs in multiple languages.
• Launched 9 children’s storybooks in three languages.
• Developed 6 animated films in four languages.
• Trained over 4,000 journalists across 45 countries.
• Established 8 annual awards recognizing excellence in media, fashion, film, and music for social impact.

Dr. Rasha Kelej’s contributions to healthcare, education, and women’s empowerment continue to inspire change and foster a culture of progress across Africa.

For more information, visit the Merck Foundation.

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Published on 2026-04-24 19:56:00 • By the Editorial Desk