More Than a Decade of “More Than a Mother” In 2025, I celebrated the 10th anniversary of the “More Than a Mother” movement, which I created in 2015. This journey is deeply personal—and its impact continues to inspire me. Here, I am celebrating and dancing with Ugandan women living with infertility who have built small businesses with support from Merck Foundation. Today, they are stronger, happier, and thriving as “More Than a Mother” heroines. “More Than a Mother” was created to challenge infertility stigma and empower women through access to information, education, healthcare, and a change in mindset. Now, in 2027, I reflect with pride on the journey we began in 2015. Since then, I have been honoured to work with more than 33 African and Asian First Ladies as Ambassadors of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother.” Together, we are strengthening fertility and reproductive care, breaking stigma, and supporting girls’ education. Our partnerships span Zimbabwe, Zambia, Sierra Leone, Senegal, São Tomé & Príncipe, Nigeria, Mozambique, Maldives, Malawi, Liberia, Kenya, Ghana, The Gambia, Gabon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Central African Republic, Cabo Verde, Burundi, Botswana, and Angola. Together with First Ladies and partners across health, information, education, and gender—including academia, policymakers, international fertility societies, the media, and the arts—we are raising awareness of infertility, including male infertility, and helping reshape reproductive and fertility care across Africa and beyond. We have awarded more than 840 scholarships to healthcare providers from 42 countries. The training spans fertility care and embryology, as well as postgraduate diplomas and master’s degrees in Sexual and Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Psychiatry, Women’s Health, Biotechnology of Human Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, Urology, Laparoscopic Surgical Skills, and Family Medicine. These specialists are vital to advancing quality, equitable healthcare for women. Together, we are building a culture that respects women whether they are mothers or not, while encouraging men to speak openly about infertility and support their wives through treatment. Infertility is not a stigma; it is a shared responsibility. Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO of Merck Foundation President of “More Than a Mother” #MoreThanAMother #MerckFoundation #InfertilityAwareness #ReproductiveHealth

“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: tribuneindia.com/news/busine… Read the Full Article on Substack: rashakelej.substack.com/p/be… Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO of Merck Foundation

Celebrating Seven Years of Partnership in Zimbabwe I am delighted to share highlights from my recent visit to Zimbabwe, where we celebrated the seventh anniversary of our meaningful partnership with H.E. Amai Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa, First Lady of Zimbabwe and Ambassador of Merck Foundation’s “More Than a Mother”. Since 2018, our collaboration has focused on strengthening healthcare and media capacity, supporting girls’ education, empowering women, and breaking the stigma surrounding infertility. Together, we reflected on our achievements and the impact of this important partnership. A major milestone: Merck Foundation has provided 166 scholarships for local doctors in 44 critical and underserved specialties, including fertility care, cancer, diabetes, cardiology, endocrinology, respiratory medicine, acute medicine, sexual and reproductive care, embryology, critical care, and psychiatry. These specialists are helping strengthen patient care across Zimbabwe. It was also a pleasure to honor the Zimbabwean winners of the Merck Foundation Media Awards and discuss the important role they can play in creating a culture shift, amplifying the voices of the voiceless, and championing health and social awareness. Together, we will continue working towards a healthier, stronger, and more equitable future for women, girls, and families in Zimbabwe. Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO of Merck Foundation President of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” #MerckFoundation #MoreThanAMother #Zimbabwe #Healthcare #GirlsEducation

"I am very happy to share the “Ray of Hope” animated film, created in partnership with my dear sisters, the African First Ladies. Through this beautiful children’s film and its accompanying storybook, we aim to raise awareness about the early detection and treatment of childhood cancer. At Merck Foundation, we remain deeply committed to improving access to quality and equitable cancer care in underserved communities through our Cancer Access Program. The program is built on three pillars that are very close to my heart: Merck Foundation Oncology Fellowship Program: We empower doctors across Africa through specialized training, fellowships, and master’s degrees, in collaboration with Ministries of Health and leading institutions. The program includes hands-on clinical experience in India, Egypt, and Kenya. More Than a Patient: We support and empower female cancer survivors as they rebuild their lives and regain economic independence. Community Awareness: We work to break stigma, raise awareness, and educate communities about cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment. To date, we have provided more than 258 scholarships to train oncologists from 34 countries, helping to build sustainable cancer care capacity across Africa. Together, we continue to bring a true “Ray of Hope” to children and families affected by cancer." Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO of Merck Foundation President of “More Than a Mother” Watch the film: youtu.be/6vCAufPnCPw

"I am honoured to reshare this meaningful moment from the Merck Foundation Alumni Summit 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya. My sincere appreciation to H.E. Mama Rachel Ruto, First Lady of Kenya, for her continued leadership and partnership in advancing healthcare and education initiatives that transform lives. Merck Foundation remains committed to advancing specialised training for healthcare professionals, having empowered 328 Kenyan doctors to date across critical fields, including oncology, endocrinology, fertility, mental health, and preventive care. Together, we continue to build stronger healthcare systems and bring quality care closer to communities." Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO of Merck Foundation

"I invite you to watch the success story of Dr. Prince Mangwiro from Zimbabwe, an alumnus of the Merck Foundation Diabetes & Hypertension Blue Points Program. He completed a postgraduate diploma and an MSc in Diabetes. The Merck Foundation Nationwide Diabetes & Hypertension Blue Points Program aims to improve access to equitable, quality diabetes, endocrinology, and hypertension care. Through the program, doctors from different provinces, counties, and districts across Africa, Asia, and Latin America can access postgraduate training through UK universities. The courses include one-year postgraduate diplomas and two-year master’s degrees in diabetes, endocrinology, preventive cardiovascular medicine, cardiology, and obesity, helping to ensure geographic coverage across each country. The program also offers scholarships for a one-year, on-site clinical training program in diabetes and hypertension in India. French-, Portuguese-, and Spanish-speaking doctors from Africa, Asia, and Latin America can also take a three-month online master’s course, endorsed by Diabetes UK, in their respective languages. To date, more than 936 scholarships have been awarded to doctors from 44 countries through the program. After completing their courses, graduates are able to establish specialty clinics in the public sector in their respective countries. Between 2012 and 2016, 30,000 students from medical universities benefited from the Clinical Diabetes and Hypertension Management Program in nine countries: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Ghana, Angola, Mozambique, India, and Indonesia. Can you imagine how many patients they will be able to help? Each doctor can help at least 2,000 families per month. The Merck Foundation touches people’s lives every day." Congratulations to our Merck Foundation alumni! Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO of Merck Foundation youtube.com/watch?v=OSnxrzsy…

"I am honored to meet H.E. Mrs. Kartumu Yarta Boakai, First Lady of Liberia, and celebrate her role as an Ambassador of the Merck Foundation More Than a Mother Campaign. I look forward to continuing our long-term partnership and scaling up our programs. Together, we will continue transforming the patient care landscape in Liberia and across Africa by building healthcare and media capacity, breaking infertility stigma, and supporting girls’ education." Stay tuned for exciting updates! Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO of Merck Foundation President of “More Than a Mother”

"I am pleased to share the video of my speech at the inauguration of the 12th edition of the annual Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025 conference in Banjul, The Gambia. The conference was co-chaired by my dear sister, H.E. Mrs. Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow, First Lady of The Gambia, and me. The official inauguration was led by Mr. Muhammad B. S. Jallow, Vice President of the Republic of The Gambia, alongside Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp. We were honored to welcome the First Ladies of Africa as Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers: H.E. Mrs. Angeline Ndayishimiye, First Lady of Burundi H.E. Madam Brigitte Touadera, First Lady of the Central African Republic H.E. Mrs. Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow, First Lady of the Republic of The Gambia H.E. Mrs. Kartumu Yarta Boakai, First Lady of the Republic of Liberia H.E. Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, First Lady of Nigeria H.E. Mrs. Maria de Fatima Vila Nova, First Lady of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe H.E. Madam Marie Khone Faye, First Lady of the Republic of Senegal From warm greetings to meaningful conversations, the day was filled with unity, grace, and a shared purpose: shaping a healthier, more empowered future for women and girls across the continent. The Merck Foundation has provided more than 2,400 scholarships to young doctors from 52 countries across 44 critical and underserved specialties. Many of our alumni are becoming the first specialists in their respective fields in their countries. Together with our Ambassadors and partners, we are making history and transforming the patient care landscape across Africa and beyond." Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO of the Merck Foundation Chairperson of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary Watch the speech: youtu.be/Jjm_BqfsT7M

"I am deeply honored to be recognized by New African magazine (UK) as one of the 100 Most Influential Africans. I am proud to share this recognition with esteemed leaders from across our continent, including the Presidents of Angola, Ghana, and South Africa, as well as many other changemakers. Congratulations to all. This recognition is especially meaningful to me because it acknowledges my continued efforts to build and strengthen healthcare capacity, empower women living with infertility, and support girls’ education through our Merck Foundation programs. It encourages and motivates my team and me to strengthen our commitment to creating a lasting, equitable impact across Africa for generations to come. I am also delighted to share that we have provided 2,500 scholarships to healthcare providers from 52 countries across 44 critical and underserved medical specialties. I am proud that many of our alumni have become—or are on their way to becoming—the first specialists in their respective fields in their countries. Together, we are building a lasting legacy in Africa." Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO of Merck Foundation President of “More Than a Mother” Read more: merck-foundation.com/news-ar…

"I am very happy to share this beautiful new song, 'Like Them' by rising star, Ugandan musician, Kenneth Mugabi, video clip produced by Wezi Mhone, Zambian artist and the concept developed by myself. We are working together on different songs, videos and ideas to sensitize our communities. The song is created to end child marriage and support girls’ education which is very important to build stronger families and communities. So proud and inspired by this song, hope you like it... And stay tuned for our next new song which we will be launching soon." Lyrics: Like Them If she had all resources She’d write a book full of stories The old tales Jjajja (grand parent) used to tell But everything is not going well “Stubborn child…”, Mama said “School was never meant for us” The dreams she had in plan were blown away by negativity CHORUS:- She say she wants to be nga bali abamanyi okuwandiika (like those who can write) She wants to be nga bali abamanyi okusoma(like those who can read) Her dream is to put on shoes and a uniform She wants to be nga bali (like them) She wants to be nga bali (like them) Like Them. If she had all resources She’d say No to daddy’s stories How he got married underage And he wants her to do the same “Silly child…”, Papa said “School was never meant for us” The dreams she had in plan were blown away by word of mouth CHORUS:- She say she can be nga bali abamanyi okuwandiika (like those who can write) She can be nga bali abamanyi okusoma(like those who can read) Her dream is to put on shoes and a uniform She will be nga bali (like them) She will be nga bali (like them) Like Them. Bridge:- She could be a lawyer Or become a doctor A light to the darkest side, She needs An opportunity to express herself! She can be like them abamany' okuwandika This girl could be nga Bali abamanyi okusoma All she needs are opportunities Help her realize those dreams She might turn out to be x2 Better than them! Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO of Merck Foundation President of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother Watch, share and subscribe for more: youtu.be/jCo52vtz3Q0

"I am happy to share special moments from my visit to an exhibition of handmade products by talented local Gambian artisans. The exhibition was organized by H.E. Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow, First Lady of The Gambia, following the 2025 Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative (MFFLI) Committee meeting. It was wonderful to witness the creativity and craftsmanship of Gambian artisans. Stay tuned for more memorable moments from the 12th edition of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025." Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO, Merck Foundation Chairperson, Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary

"I invite you to watch the success story of Dr. Davies K. Kibii from Kenya, a Merck Foundation More Than a Mother Program alumnus and recipient of the Merck Foundation Advance ART & Fertility Specialist Scholarship. He completed a PG Diploma and an MSc in Sexual and Reproductive Medicine. I am very proud of this initiative, launched in 2016 as part of the Merck Foundation More Than a Mother Program. Through it, we provide hands-on practical training to candidates from Africa and Asia in partnership with the Indonesian Reproductive Science Institute (IRSI), Indonesia; the International Institute for Training and Research in Reproductive Health (IIRRH), India; Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), India; and Indira IVF Hospitals, India. Through our More Than a Mother campaign, we have provided 780 scholarships to young doctors, with the aim of advancing women’s health by building reproductive and sexual health care and fertility care capacity in more than 39 countries. Many of these doctors are the first-ever fertility care experts in their countries. We are proud to be making history. Can you imagine how many patients they will be able to help? Each doctor can help at least 2,000 families per month. The Merck Foundation touches people’s lives every day. Congratulations to our Merck Foundation alumnus!" Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO of Merck Foundation President of the “More Than a Mother” Campaign Watch the full story: youtube.com/watch?v=zoSDpaTI…

"As I reflect on 2025, I’m happy to share a highlight from my speech at the 7th Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative (MFFLI) Summit. In this clip, I speak about how our Merck Foundation initiatives continue to improve access to healthcare, build scientific and media capacity, empower women and young people, and advance lives through science and technology. Together with our “More Than a Mother” Ambassadors—the First Ladies of Africa and Asia—and our partners, we make a difference every day." Watch the full speech here: youtu.be/cOeUMi91TjI Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO, Merck Foundation President, Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative (MFFLI)

"I had the privilege of meeting with H.E. Madam Marie Khone Faye, First Lady of the Republic of Senegal and a dedicated Ambassador of the Merck Foundation More Than a Mother Campaign, at the 7th edition of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative (MFFLI) Summit 2025 in Dubai. We discussed how to strengthen our joint efforts in Senegal to improve women’s health, empower girls through education, eliminate infertility stigma, and end gender-based violence. Her sincerity, compassion, and commitment to positive change left a deep impression on me. I am proud of the impactful work we are doing together and confident that our partnership will continue to transform lives across Senegal. Stay tuned for more updates from this inspiring summit!" Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO, Merck Foundation President, Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative (MFFLI)

"During our visit to the Maldives, together with Prof. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of the Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, we met with Hon. Mr. Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim, Minister of Health. We discussed scaling up our scholarship programs in line with the country’s healthcare needs. We marked our long-term partnership to transform the patient care landscape in the Maldives by building healthcare and media capacity, breaking infertility stigma, and supporting girls’ education. I look forward to creating a lasting impact through collaboration and a shared vision in the Maldives. Stay tuned to learn more." Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO of Merck Foundation President of the Merck Foundation 'More Than a Mother' Campaign

"I welcome you all to watch the testimonial of Dr. Francis Agyekum, Merck Foundation Alumni, (two years Master Degree in Preventative Cardiovascular Medicine - 2020) from Ghana." Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO of Merck Foundation youtube.com/watch?v=p_Ls5D1p…

Africa’s creativity is our pride and heritage, reflected in our art, fabrics, music, and storytelling and passed down through generations. Inspired by this rich legacy, I launch these Awards every year alongside my dear sisters, the African First Ladies, Ambassadors of the Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” initiative. Our mission is to inspire Africa’s youth to use their creativity and talents to address critical social and health challenges, raise awareness, and drive meaningful change. Together, let us turn creativity into a force for a healthier and brighter future! Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO of Merck Foundation Learn more about the Awards and how to participate: merck-foundation.com/

"I am excited to share the impactful speech delivered by my dear sister, H.E. Dr. GUETA SELEMANE CHAPO, Mozambique First Lady & Ambassador of "Merck Foundation More Than a Mother" during the 13th Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary (Online) 2026." Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO of Merck Foundation youtu.be/wodsPYuc1nk

"I am happy to share this special heartfelt moment just before our official dinner at the 12th Edition of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025, in The Gambia. There was such a warm and graceful energy. We paused together — away from the spotlight — to simply connect, reflect, and share a quiet breath before an evening filled with meaningful conversations and celebration. Moments like these remind me that the true strength of our work lies in the sisterhood we’ve built — one grounded in trust, empathy, and a shared mission to create real impact." Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO, Merck Foundation

"Merck Foundation is making history in Liberia by supporting the training of fertility specialists and embryologists, which will leave a strong legacy in shaping the quality, safe and equitable fertility care landscape of Liberia and the rest of Africa. Through More Than a Mother movement, Merck Foundation is determined to empower infertile women in Africa through access to health, information and change of mindset and encourage men to speak up about infertility issues and support their wives in the journey of making happy families." Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO, Merck Foundation