Dr. Rasha Kelej Honored as One of Africa’s 100 Most Influential Women for Seventh Consecutive Year, Strengthening Healthcare and Women Empowerment
Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of the “More Than a Mother” Campaign, has been recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential African Women 2025 by Avance Media. This marks her seventh consecutive year on the list, which celebrates women whose leadership and accomplishments significantly impact decision-making both locally and internationally. This recognition comes shortly after her inclusion in the 100 Most Influential Africans 2025 by New African Magazine (UK). Dr. Kelej stands alongside prominent leaders such as H.E. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of Tanzania, and H.E. Ndemupelila Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of Namibia, underscoring her commitment to women’s empowerment, girls’ education, and the enhancement of patient care across Africa.
Commitment to Women Empowerment and Healthcare
In a statement regarding her recognition, Dr. Kelej expressed her gratitude, stating that it is an honor to be acknowledged alongside esteemed leaders and inspiring change-makers. She emphasized the importance of the recognition as a validation of Merck Foundation’s ongoing efforts to enhance healthcare capacity, particularly focusing on women’s health and education. Dr. Kelej remarked that this honor motivates her and her team to continue building a lasting legacy of impact and change across the continent.
Transformative Leadership at Merck Foundation
Under Dr. Kelej’s leadership, the Merck Foundation has implemented numerous high-impact programs aimed at improving healthcare access and quality across Africa. Notable initiatives include the Scholarship Program for Healthcare Providers, which has transformed the patient care landscape by providing scholarships to young healthcare professionals. Additionally, the “More Than a Mother” movement, initiated by Dr. Kelej in 2015, aims to enhance reproductive and fertility care while combating the stigma surrounding infertility.
Over the past 11 years, Dr. Kelej has collaborated with more than 33 First Ladies from Africa and Asia, who serve as ambassadors for the “More Than a Mother” campaign. This collaboration extends to various ministries, academia, and local communities, reinforcing the foundation’s commitment to healthcare and education.
Impact on Healthcare Capacity
Merck Foundation has awarded over 2,600 scholarships to healthcare providers from 52 countries, covering more than 44 critical medical specialties. Prior to the establishment of these programs, many African nations, including The Gambia, Liberia, and Ethiopia, faced a shortage of specialists in essential fields such as oncology and reproductive care. Dr. Kelej highlighted that many alumni of the program have become the first specialists in their respective countries, marking a significant step in strengthening healthcare systems.
Empowering Women and Girls
Of the scholarships awarded, nearly 1,200 have been granted to female healthcare professionals, reflecting the foundation’s dedication to empowering women in the healthcare sector. The MARS Awards (Merck Africa Research Summit) are also presented annually to recognize outstanding African women researchers and young researchers, emphasizing the importance of women’s participation in STEM fields, particularly in women’s health and reproductive care.
Through the “Educating Linda” Program, Dr. Kelej supports the education of over 1,500 girls by providing scholarships to underprivileged schoolgirls across 21 African countries. This initiative not only enables these girls to complete their studies but also provides essential school supplies, fostering their potential.
Raising Awareness Through Innovation and Creativity
Dr. Kelej is committed to addressing critical social issues, including infertility stigma, child marriage, and gender-based violence. She believes that media, fashion, and art can serve as powerful tools for raising awareness and driving cultural change.
She has conceptualized and produced the pan-African TV program “Our Africa by Merck Foundation,” which addresses health and social issues through innovative storytelling. The program is broadcast across multiple African nations and is available on various social media platforms.
Dr. Kelej’s advocacy extends to producing over 30 awareness songs in multiple languages, launching nine children’s storybooks, and developing six animated films. She has also trained over 4,000 journalists across 45 countries to enhance media engagement in health and social issues.
For more information on Dr. Rasha Kelej and her initiatives, visit the Merck Foundation.
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Published on 2026-05-25 23:49:00 • By the Editorial Desk
