Transforming Healthcare and Empowering Women: Dr. Rasha Kelej Named One of Africa’s 100 Most Influential Women for Seventh Consecutive Year
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, underscoring her significant contributions to women’s empowerment, girls’ education, and healthcare transformation across Africa. Her recognition comes alongside other notable leaders, including H.E. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of Tanzania, and H.E. Ndemupelila Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of Namibia.
The annual list serves to honor African women whose leadership and accomplishments shape decision-making at both local and international levels. Dr. Kelej’s commitment to these causes has positioned her as a key figure in the ongoing discourse surrounding healthcare and gender equality in the region.
Commitment to Healthcare and Women’s Empowerment
Dr. Kelej expressed her gratitude for the recognition, stating that it reflects the Merck Foundation’s dedication to enhancing healthcare capacity and focusing on women’s health. She emphasized the importance of empowering infertile women and supporting girls’ education to help them reach their full potential. This acknowledgment serves as a motivation to continue building a lasting legacy of impact across Africa.
Under her leadership, the Merck Foundation has initiated several high-impact programs, including the Scholarship Program for Healthcare Providers and the “More Than a Mother” movement. These initiatives aim to improve access to quality healthcare and break the stigma surrounding infertility, while also raising awareness about reproductive health issues.
A Decade of Transformative Leadership
Dr. Kelej has collaborated with over 33 First Ladies of Africa and Asia, who act as ambassadors for the Merck Foundation’s initiatives. This collaboration extends to various sectors, including health, education, and media, fostering a multi-faceted approach to tackling healthcare challenges.
The Merck Foundation has awarded more than 2,600 scholarships to healthcare providers from 52 countries, covering over 44 critical medical specialties. Prior to the foundation’s programs, many countries, such as The Gambia, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, faced severe shortages of specialists in essential fields like oncology and reproductive health. Dr. Kelej’s leadership has been instrumental in addressing these gaps, thereby transforming healthcare capacity in these nations.
Empowering Women in Healthcare and STEM
Of the scholarships awarded, nearly 1,200 have been given to female healthcare professionals, reflecting a strong commitment to gender equality in the healthcare sector. Additionally, the Merck Foundation annually presents the MARS Awards (Merck Africa Research Summit) to recognize outstanding African women researchers and young scientists, promoting women’s participation in STEM fields.
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 facilitates educational opportunities but also supplies essential materials to thousands of schoolgirls, thereby enhancing their chances of academic success.
Raising Awareness Through Innovation and Creativity
Dr. Kelej is also committed to raising awareness about 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 social change.
She has conceptualized and produced the pan-African TV program “Our Africa by Merck Foundation,” which addresses health and social issues through creative means. The program is broadcast across multiple African nations and is accessible via various social media platforms.
In her advocacy efforts, Dr. Kelej has produced over 30 awareness songs in multiple languages, launched 9 children’s storybooks, and developed 6 animated films. She has trained over 4,000 journalists across 45 countries, emphasizing the importance of media in shaping public perception and policy.
Conclusion
Dr. Rasha Kelej’s recognition as one of Africa’s most influential women highlights her pivotal role in transforming healthcare and empowering women across the continent. Her initiatives not only address immediate healthcare needs but also foster long-term societal change, making her a significant figure in the ongoing efforts to improve health outcomes and gender equality in Africa.
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