Merck Foundation

“At Merck Foundation, we remain committed to transforming the patient care landscape and improving access to quality and equitable healthcare solutions across Africa, Asia, and beyond. The Merck Foundation has provided more than 2,600 scholarships for young healthcare providers from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties. Through these scholarships, many of our Merck Foundation alumni are becoming the first-ever specialists in their respective fields in their countries, including Namibia, Liberia, The Gambia, Burundi, Malawi, Sierra Leone, Zambia, Guinea, Ethiopia, Congo, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Zimbabwe, among others. This is truly history in the making, and we are proud to be a part of Africa’s legacy by empowering a new generation of healthcare specialists who will serve generations to come.” Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO of Merck Foundation President of “More Than a Mother”

"I’m pleased to share a glimpse of the fourth episode of OUR AFRICA by Merck Foundation, dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyle awareness across the African continent. This impactful platform continues to address key social and health issues through creative, compelling storytelling, brought to life by our exceptional African Community of Fashion and Art with Purpose. The fourth episode inspires healthy lifestyle choices through meaningful fashion and art. I firmly believe that media, fashion, and art should serve a purpose beyond entertainment. They have the power to raise awareness and spark change on vital issues, including diabetes prevention, breaking the stigma around infertility, ending child marriage, stopping FGM and gender-based violence, supporting girls’ education, and empowering women. Together, we can drive lasting cultural change. Stay tuned and keep watching OUR AFRICA by Merck Foundation as we inspire health, hope, and positive transformation across Africa." Senator, Prof. Dr. RASHA KELEJ CEO of Merck Foundation youtu.be/Ok6_B8EKNks

“I am happy to share media coverage about my recent article: Girl Education and Merck Foundation Educating Linda Program. A girl may have the ability to become a doctor, a scientist, an engineer, an entrepreneur or a president. Yet, long before she has the opportunity to discover her abilities, the people around her may already have decided what her future should look like. Sometimes those limits are spoken openly. Sometimes they appear in everyday decisions: whose education receives priority, who has time to study, whose ambitions are taken seriously and who is expected to abandon a dream. Is it the girl or the boy? This is why I believe that supporting girls’ education requires more than providing scholarships. We must also work to change the expectations that surround our girls.” Read the media coverage here: english.punjabkesari.com/bus… Senator, Prof. Dr. RASHA KELEJ CEO of Merck Foundation

"Inspiring moments from 2025! I am very happy to share these beautiful moments captured in the protocol room, just before we stepped into the spotlight for the plenary session of the 7th edition of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative (MFFLI) Summit 2025 in Dubai. Surrounded by Their Excellencies, the First Ladies of Africa and Asia, we shared a warm energy filled with encouragement and a common passion for the work ahead. It is in these in-between moments that the strength of our bond truly shines—a sisterhood grounded in purpose and committed to building a better, healthier, and more equal world for women, girls, and entire communities." Senator, Prof. Dr. RASHA KELEJ CEO of Merck Foundation

"I welcome you all to watch the testimonial of Dr. Tatenda Hamilton Tengwana from Zimbabwe, an alumnus of the Merck Foundation Diabetes & Hypertension Blue Points Program, who received a One-Year Postgraduate Diploma in Preventive Cardiovascular Medicine." Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO of Merck Foundation youtu.be/coMLNlkNDD0

A scholarship opens a door. A supportive family and community help a girl walk through it. Through Merck Foundation’s Educating Linda Program, I believe our responsibility extends beyond providing scholarships. We must also help change how families and communities see the potential of their daughters. The Pygmalion effect offers an important lesson: expectations can influence performance through the encouragement, attention and opportunities people receive. Believing in a girl means protecting her time to study, taking her ambitions seriously and supporting her through challenges. This is why our partnerships with African First Ladies as ambassadors are so important. Their sustained advocacy can help challenge limiting beliefs and inspire families and communities to support girls’ education. Every girl deserves the opportunity to discover her abilities and pursue her ambitions—as a doctor, scientist, engineer, entrepreneur, president or whatever she chooses to become. In my latest article in the Leadership Beyond the Obvious series, I explore why educating girls requires both opportunity and a cultural shift: “Before a Girl Can Reach Her Potential, Her Family and Community Must Believe She Has One.” Read my new article : rashakelej.substack.com/p/be… Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO, Merck Foundation

"I welcome you all to watch the testimonial of Dr. Chinedu Michael Dike, Merck Foundation Alumni, (two-year Masters Degree in Diabetes Management - 2019) from Nigeria." Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO of Merck Foundation youtube.com/watch?v=cXDR5tsz…

"I am delighted to share this beautiful song 'Treat her like a Lady' created as a part of the Merck Foundation 'More Than a Mother' movement to stop Gender Based Violence (GBV) & Empower Women in Africa. I created the “More Than a Mother” movement to break the silence surrounding infertility and to empower women living with infertility by improving access to information, education, healthcare, and—most importantly—driving a much-needed change in mindset. Together, we are making a real and lasting impact by creating a culture shift to respect women, whether they are mothers or not, encouraging men to speak up about their infertility and support their wives during the treatment journey, as we all believe that ‘Infertility is not a Stigma, it is a Shared Responsibility.’" Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO of Merck Foundation President of "More Than a Mother" Movement youtu.be/BlGYut05YaU

"Beautiful memories from the launch of “Ray of Hope” storybook and animation film, in partnership with my dear sisters, the African First Ladies in 2025. Through this initiative, we aim to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and treatment of childhood cancer." Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO, Merck Foundation

"I am proud to celebrate the winners of the Merck Foundation Film Awards 2025 – 'More Than a Mother' and 'Diabetes & Hypertension.' I am truly impressed by both the quality and quantity of entries we received this year. Our winners have creatively and effectively conveyed important social and health awareness messages through their work. I have always believed that fashion and art play a crucial role in raising awareness about health challenges and sensitive social issues." Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO of Merck Foundation

"I am happy to share highlights about our long term partnership with my dear sister, H.E. Dr. GUETA SELEMANE CHAPO, Mozambique First Lady & Ambassador of "Merck Foundation More Than a Mother". I am proud that Merck Foundation has to date provided 34 scholarships for our Mozambican healthcare providers. We have signed a MoU to further strengthen our long-term partnership, continue our ongoing programs, and define strategies to expand healthcare and media capacity in Mozambique." Dr. Rasha Kelej Merck Foundation CEO

"I welcome you all to watch the testimonial of Ms. Sainabou Willan, Merck Foundation Alumni, (Merck Foundation Training in Oncology Nursing - 2024) from The Gambia." Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO of Merck Foundation youtube.com/watch?v=tqaxzFyI…

"I am very happy to launch the "Ride Into the Future" animation film, in partnership with my dear sisters, the African First Ladies. Through our new children's storybook, we want to emphasize the importance of Girls Education." Watch here the full animation film: youtu.be/CXuoXZVtNr8 Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO of Merck Foundation

“I am happy to announce the Call for Applications for Merck Foundation Fashion Awards 2026 – ‘Diabetes & Hypertension’, in partnership with my dear sisters, the African and Asian First Ladies. All African Fashion Students and Designers are invited to create and share designs to deliver strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle and raising awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension. Last date to apply is approaching soon!” Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO of Merck Foundation Apply here: merck-foundation.com/Awards-…

"It was a great honour to sign an MoU with H.E. Dr. Débora Katisa Carvalho, the First Lady of Cabo Verde and a committed Ambassador of the Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” campaign, during the 7th Edition of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative (MFFLI) Summit 2025 in Dubai." Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO, Merck Foundation

"At Kenya State House, it was a great honour to visit my dear sister, H.E. Mrs. Rachel Ruto, First Lady of Kenya, Office of the First Lady Kenya, and Ambassador of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother”, to officially launch our long-term partnership to build healthcare capacity, support girls’ education, and break the infertility stigma in Kenya." Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO, Merck Foundation

"I’m happy to share the full video of a truly meaningful milestone leading the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative (MFFLI) 2025 Committee Meeting in Dubai. This powerful gathering was filled with purpose, passion, and unity." Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO of Merck Foundation

"I welcome you all to watch the testimonial of Dr. Samuel Mucheru, Merck Foundation Alumni, (two year Master's Degree in Diabetes - 2016) from Kenya." Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO of Merck Foundation youtube.com/watch?v=-eGBO88S…

“Why Mental Hygiene Matters More Than Ever for Leaders. Ignoring your mental hygiene; the result is that we become busy without necessarily being effective. We become reactive instead of strategic, spending less time creating meaningful impact and more time managing our emotions, dealing with health problems, visiting doctors, struggling with low energy, and eventually counting the years—or even the days—until retirement. This is why I believe the busiest leaders are not necessarily the most impactful or successful ones. We often see leaders who look older than their age, overwhelmed, stressed, and exhausted, and somehow interpret these signs as evidence of hard work, commitment, and dedication. Meanwhile, a leader who looks younger, healthier, happier, energetic, and stylish may not be perceived as working equally hard or carrying the same level of responsibility. I strongly disagree with this perception. Exhaustion should not be a badge of leadership. Neglecting yourself should not be proof of dedication. In fact, I believe the opposite deserves consideration: How can you sustainably manage the health and well-being of an entire organization if you cannot manage your own? How can you expect others to honor their commitments when you repeatedly break the commitments you have made to yourself and your health? Taking care of yourself does not make you less ambitious, less hardworking, or less committed. It can make you a more sustainable, focused, and effective leader. Looking exhausted is not evidence of impact. Looking healthy and happy is not evidence of an easy life. Just think about it. Read “My Daily Discipline Behind Clear Thinking, Better Decisions, and Sustainable Leadership”. The Leadership Practice We Rarely Discuss-but Can No Longer Ignore.” Full article: rasha-kelej.com/?p=9935 Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO of Merck Foundation

"I strongly believe that art and media play significant roles in raising awareness about sensitive topics like infertility; hence, they will contribute significantly to breaking the stigma around infertile women in Africa if utilized properly. Merck Foundation has worked closely with local singers to create this beautiful song that addresses the same issue to sensitize the community with the aim to break the stigma of infertility and empower infertile women." Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO Merck Foundation youtu.be/5lEqiyeRYgs