Rasha Kelej

"I am happy to share Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees speech from the Merck Foundation Ghana Alumni Summit 2026. Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg Haverkamp added, “Our aim is to improve the overall health and wellbeing of people by building healthcare capacity across Africa, Asia and other developing countries. We are strongly committed to transforming patient care landscape through our scholarships program. I am proud to share that we have to date provided 257 scholarships for local Ghanaian healthcare providers in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties, with the aim to establish a strong platform of skilled and specialized healthcare providers across Ghana’s healthcare sector nationwide." Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO of Merck Foundation youtu.be/XWc6saUmjNg

This #WorldDiabetesDay, I share how Merck Foundation connects medical education, partnerships and community awareness to transform diabetes care across Africa and Asia—one blue point at a time. Read my article 👇 substack.com/@rashakelej/not…

"Proud to join our partners and alumni at Merck Foundation Malaysia Annual Summit 2026. We have provided 65+ scholarships in specialties including Oncology, Diabetes, Fertility Care and Clinical Psychiatry—building healthcare capacity and improving patient care." Senator Prof. Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO of Merck Foundation President of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother”

"I am deeply honoured to be recognised among the 100 Most Influential African Women by Avance Media for the seventh consecutive year, alongside the Presidents of Tanzania and Namibia. This recognition is not mine alone; it belongs to our entire team at Merck Foundation, our Ambassadors and partners, and the incredible healthcare professionals we work with across Africa and beyond. Together, we have awarded hundreds of scholarships to doctors, strengthened healthcare capacity, and led advocacy movements such as "More Than a Mother" to break the stigma surrounding infertility and address other critical social and health issues affecting our communities. I remain committed to raising awareness, empowering women and young people, and building a healthier and more equitable future for all. I am truly grateful for this recognition, which inspires me to continue doing even more." Senator, Prof. Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO, Merck Foundation

"I welcome you all to hear the success story of Dr. Lorraine Ndjoze, Merck Foundation Alumni, (one year Postgraduate Diploma in Pediatric Emergency Medicine - 2021) from Namibia." Senator, Prof. Dr. RASHA KELEJ CEO of Merck Foundation

"It is a great honor to partner with my dear sister, Nigeria First Lady, H.E. Senator OLUREMI TINUBU, CON who is also an Ambassador of 'Merck Foundation More Than a Mother'. In a short period of time we continue to scale up our impactful programs—building healthcare and media capacity, breaking the stigma around infertility, and supporting the education of girls across the country. We also recently visited Nigeria and welcomed H.E as one of the Ambassadors of the historic "More Than a Mother" campaign. Together, we reaffirm our commitment to advancing Girl Education, Empowering Women, and Ending Child Marriage at all levels." Senator, Prof. Dr. RASHA KELEJ CEO of Merck Foundation

"I am honoured to meet H.E. Mrs. SAJIDHA MOHAMED, the First Lady of Maldives and appoint her as an Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” Campaign along with Prof. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation BoT. We marked our long-term partnership to transform the patient care landscape by building Healthcare & Media Capacity, Break Infertility Stigma and support Girl Education in Maldives." Senator, Prof. Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO, Merck Foundation

"I had the privilege of engaging in a strategic meeting with H.E. Madam Marie Khone Faye, the First Lady of the Republic of Senegal and a dedicated 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." Senator, Prof. Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO, Merck Foundation

"I am very proud to share with you the 'Sugar Free Jude' animation film to address diabetes prevention, early detection and management. The film is created by the Merck Foundation for Africa and beyond." Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO of Merck Foundation youtube.com/watch?v=foawhpoV…

"I am deeply honored to be recognised among the '100 Most Impactful Voices 2026' by ABCD Africa, alongside so many inspiring African women who are using their voices and platforms to create meaningful change. For me, this recognition is not only about an individual achievement. It is a reminder of the power of using our voices to inspire change, empower women and girls, strengthen healthcare capacity, break infertility stigma, and create opportunities for underserved communities." Read more: gna.org.gh/2026/08/merck-fou… Senator, Prof. Dr. RASHA KELEJ CEO of Merck Foundation

"I welcome you all to hear the success story of Dr. Dusambimana Raban, Merck Foundation Alumni, (two year Masters Degree in Diabetes - 2021) from Rwanda." Senator, Prof. Dr. RASHA KELEJ CEO of Merck Foundation

"At the Gabon State House, it was truly wonderful to meet the schoolgirls of Gabon alongside my dear sister, H.E. Madam Zita Oligui Nguema, First Lady of Gabon and Ambassador of the Merck Foundation More Than a Mother program." Senator, Prof. Dr. RASHA KELEJ CEO of Merck Foundation

"It is a great honor to partner with my dear sister, Central African Republic First Lady, H.E. Madam BRIGITTE TOUADERA who is also an Ambassador of 'Merck Foundation More Than a Mother'. Together, we reaffirm our commitment to advancing Girl Education, Empowering Women, and Ending Child Marriage at all levels." Senator, Prof. Dr. RASHA KELEJ CEO of Merck Foundation

"I am happy to share photos from my meeting with Hon’ble Ms. Marie Arianne Navarre-Marie, Minister of Gender Equality and Family Welfare of Mauritius. We discussed our long-term partnership to implement the Merck Foundation Educating Linda Programme to support girls’ education in Mauritius." Senator, Prof. Dr. RASHA KELEJ CEO of Merck Foundation

"I am truly proud to mark the 10th Anniversary of “More Than a Mother” movement, which I created in 2015. It has been an extraordinary journey, one that is very close to my heart. Celebrating and dancing with Ugandan childless women for their success after Merck Foundation established small business for them. They are now stronger and happier. They are “More Than a Mother” heroines." Senator, Prof. Dr. RASHA KELEJ CEO of Merck Foundation youtu.be/eTxECFi6b0Q

"I am honoured to share a summary of the official launch of Merck Foundation programmes in Ghana. I was happy to meet our long-term partner and my dear sister, H.E. Mrs. Lordina Dramani Mahama, First Lady of the Republic of Ghana, and to honour her outstanding contribution as the Ambassador of the Merck Foundation More Than a Mother campaign. During the visit, we officially launched Merck Foundation programmes in the country and reaffirmed our commitment to working together to build healthcare and media capacity, transform the patient care landscape, break infertility stigma, and support girls’ education across Ghana. I am proud to share that, to date, we have provided 257 scholarships to local Ghanaian healthcare providers in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties, with the aim of establishing a strong network of skilled and specialised healthcare providers across the country's healthcare sector. Moreover, through our Educating Linda Programme, we are providing annual scholarships to 40 high-performing yet underprivileged Ghanaian schoolgirls, helping them complete their education. Educating and empowering young girls is one of the most powerful investments we can make in building stronger families, thriving communities, and a brighter future for our nation." Senator, Prof. Dr. RASHA KELEJ CEO of Merck Foundation

"I welcome you all to hear the success story of Dr. Bennadettee Biton, Merck Foundation Alumni, (one year Postgraduate Diploma in Acute Medicine - 2020) from Zimbabwe." Senator, Prof. Dr. RASHA KELEJ CEO of Merck Foundation youtube.com/watch?v=P5inbvKj…

"It is a great honor to partner with my dear sister, Nigeria First Lady, H.E. Senator OLUREMI TINUBU, CON who is also an Ambassador of 'Merck Foundation More Than a Mother'. In a short period of time we continue to scale up our impactful programs—building healthcare and media capacity, breaking the stigma around infertility, and supporting the education of girls across the country. We also recently visited Nigeria and welcomed H.E as one of the Ambassadors of the historic "More Than a Mother" campaign. Together, we reaffirm our commitment to advancing Girl Education, Empowering Women, and Ending Child Marriage at all levels." Senator, Prof. Dr. RASHA KELEJ CEO of Merck Foundation

"I am proud to celebrate the winners of the Merck Foundation Fashion Awards 2025, under the themes "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." Senator, Prof. Dr. RASHA KELEJ CEO of Merck Foundation

"I am delighted to share the powerful moments from Day 1 at the Protocol Room! Behind the scenes with the incredible First Ladies of Africa as we prepared for the 12th Edition of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025, held in The Gambia — co-chaired by H.E. Mrs. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW, The First Lady of The Gambia, and myself as CEO of Merck Foundation." Senator, Prof. Dr. RASHA KELEJ CEO of Merck Foundation

"I was delighted to meet my dear sister, H.E. Mrs. Kaone Boko, and appoint her as an Ambassador of the Merck Foundation More Than a Mother campaign. We also launched our long-term partnership to scale up our programs. Together, we will continue to transform the patient care landscape by building healthcare and media capacity, breaking the stigma surrounding infertility, and supporting girls’ education in Botswana. Stay tuned for exciting updates!" Senator, Prof. Dr. RASHA KELEJ CEO of Merck Foundation