![]() | A Series of Articles developed by Dr. Rasha Kelej Beyond sharing ideas on leadership, influence, and social impact, I see this platform as a mentorship journey. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to work alongside remarkable leaders across Africa and beyond, and I believe that knowledge and experience become truly valuable when they are shared. Through these articles, I hope to support and inspire future leaders, especially women and young people, to believe in their potential, develop their skills, and lead with integrity, compassion, and courage. This is my contribution to sustainable development and capacity building: investing in people, sharing lessons learned, and helping to create a new generation of leaders who will shape a better future for their communities and countries. |

Merck Foundation
The Philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA

Our Programs

Our Programs

Our Vision

CAN LEAD A HEALTHY AND
FULFILLING LIFE
Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA, Germany that aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through Science and Technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality and equitable healthcare solutions, building healthcare, scientific research & media capacity, breaking infertility stigma and supporting girls' education.

Impact of Merck Foundation Programs (as of April 2026)




















Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation
Beyond Power; Leadership, Global Influence and Impact
Messages From Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation
Message from Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, on celebrating seven years of partnership with the First Lady of Zimbabwe to transform patient care and empower women
Message from Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, on marking the 10th anniversary of the “More Than a Mother” Movement
Message from CEO of Merck Foundation, Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, about the MFFLI Committee Meeting held with First Ladies of Africa and Asia call for action to build healthcare and Media capacity, Break...
Message from Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, on declaring the First Lady of Ghana as the Ambassador of “More Than a Mother” during their Annual Summit in Ghana
Message from Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, on celebrating the legacy to transform the patient care landscape nationwide via more than 328 scholarships with the Kenya First Lady during Kenya Alumni...
Message from Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, on announcing 124 Winners from 32 Countries for the Media Awards for Breaking infertility Stigma and Supporting Girl Education
Message from Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, on launching the “Educating Linda” Program to support girl education with the First Lady of Ghana in the country
Message from Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, marking a landmark moment in supporting girl education through the “Educating Linda” Program at Kenya State House
Message from Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, on announcing the Winners of Fashion, Song and Film Awards 2025 for driving awareness on social and health issues – 51 winners from 15 countries announced...
Message from Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, on celebrating seven years of partnership with the First Lady of Zimbabwe to transform patient care and empower women
Message from Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, on marking the 10th anniversary of the “More Than a Mother” Movement
Message from CEO of Merck Foundation, Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, about the MFFLI Committee Meeting held with First Ladies of Africa and Asia call for action to build healthcare and Media capacity, Break...
Message from Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, on declaring the First Lady of Ghana as the Ambassador of “More Than a Mother” during their Annual Summit in Ghana
Message from Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, on celebrating the legacy to transform the patient care landscape nationwide via more than 328 scholarships with the Kenya First Lady during Kenya Alumni...
Message from Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, on announcing 124 Winners from 32 Countries for the Media Awards for Breaking infertility Stigma and Supporting Girl Education
Message from CEO of Merck Foundation, Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, about the MFFLI Committee Meeting held with First Ladies of Africa and Asia call for action to build healthcare and Media capacity, Break...
Message from Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, on declaring the First Lady of Ghana as the Ambassador of “More Than a Mother” during their Annual Summit in Ghana
Message from Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, on celebrating the legacy to transform the patient care landscape nationwide via more than 328 scholarships with the Kenya First Lady during Kenya Alumni...
Message from Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, on announcing 124 Winners from 32 Countries for the Media Awards for Breaking infertility Stigma and Supporting Girl Education
Message from Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, on launching the “Educating Linda” Program to support girl education with the First Lady of Ghana in the country
Message from Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, marking a landmark moment in supporting girl education through the “Educating Linda” Program at Kenya State House
Message from Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, on announcing the Winners of Fashion, Song and Film Awards 2025 for driving awareness on social and health issues – 51 winners from 15 countries announced...
Message from Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, on celebrating seven years of partnership with the First Lady of Zimbabwe to transform patient care and empower women
Message from Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, on marking the 10th anniversary of the “More Than a Mother” Movement
Message from CEO of Merck Foundation, Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, about the MFFLI Committee Meeting held with First Ladies of Africa and Asia call for action to build healthcare and Media capacity, Break...
Message from Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, on declaring the First Lady of Ghana as the Ambassador of “More Than a Mother” during their Annual Summit in Ghana
Upcoming Programs & Call for Applications
Merck Foundation More Than A Mother ambassadors
Digital Library
Merck Foundation Presents Our Africa by Merck Foundation (TV Program)

Promo of ‘Our Africa by Merck Foundation ' TV program, Directed & Produced by Merck Foundation CEO Senator, Dr...

'Our Africa by Merck Foundation' TV Program | S1 EP1: Diabetes Awareness.

'Our Africa by Merck Foundation' TV Program | S1 EP2: Ending Child Marriage & Supporting Girl Education

'Our Africa by Merck Foundation' TV Program | S1 EP6: Stop FGM

Promo of ‘Our Africa by Merck Foundation ' TV program, Directed & Produced by Merck Foundation CEO Senator, Dr...

'Our Africa by Merck Foundation' TV Program | S1 EP1: Diabetes Awareness.

'Our Africa by Merck Foundation' TV Program | S1 EP2: Ending Child Marriage & Supporting Girl Education

'Our Africa by Merck Foundation' TV Program | S1 EP6: Stop FGM

Promo of ‘Our Africa by Merck Foundation ' TV program, Directed & Produced by Merck Foundation CEO Senator, Dr...

'Our Africa by Merck Foundation' TV Program | S1 EP1: Diabetes Awareness.

'Our Africa by Merck Foundation' TV Program | S1 EP2: Ending Child Marriage & Supporting Girl Education

'Our Africa by Merck Foundation' TV Program | S1 EP6: Stop FGM

Promo of ‘Our Africa by Merck Foundation ' TV program, Directed & Produced by Merck Foundation CEO Senator, Dr...

'Our Africa by Merck Foundation' TV Program | S1 EP1: Diabetes Awareness.

'Our Africa by Merck Foundation' TV Program | S1 EP2: Ending Child Marriage & Supporting Girl Education

'Our Africa by Merck Foundation' TV Program | S1 EP6: Stop FGM
Our Articles

Merck Foundation CEO and First Ladies of Africa and Asia share their partnership journey in Transforming Patient Care Landscape, Supporting Girl Education and Breaking Infertility Stigma
Merck Foundation Chairman & CEO and the First Lady of Zimbabwe Celebrate 7 Years of Long-Term Partnership to Train healthcare providers, Support Infertile Women & Girl Education
Merck Foundation declared Gabon First Lady as Ambassador of “More than a Mother” to build healthcare capacity, break infertility stigma, and support girl education
Merck Foundation Chairman & CEO, and 12 First Ladies of Africa and Asia inaugurate the 13th Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2026
Inspiring Tomorrow's Leaders: Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej Launches her First Virtual Mentorship and Leadership Platform
Merck Foundation CEO celebrates 124 Winners from 32 Countries for their Media Awards for Breaking infertility Stigma and Supporting Girl Education
Merck Foundation in partnership with Ghana First Lady and Lordina Foundation launch their “Educating Linda” Program to support Girl Education
Merck Foundation and Kenya First Lady mark a Landmark Moment for Supporting Girl Education with their "Educating Linda" Program at Kenya State House
Merck Foundation and Kenya First Lady and Minister of Health Underscore Long-term Partnership to Build Healthcare and Media Capacity and extend more Medical Scholarships to Local Doctors Nationwide
Merck Foundation announced Winners of their Fashion, Song and Film Awards 2025 for Driving Awareness on Social and Health Issues – 51 Winners from 15 Countries Announced in partnership with the First Ladies of...
Dr. Rasha Kelej Named Among the “100 Most Impactful Voices 2026” by ABCD Africa After Being Recognized Among the 100 Most Influential Africans by New African Magazine and 100 Most Influential African Women by...
Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative - MFFLI to discuss 2026 strategy and share programs’ impact to Train Healthcare Providers, Support Girl Education and Break Infertility Stigma
Merck Foundation CEO and First Ladies of Africa and Asia share their partnership journey in Transforming Patient Care Landscape, Supporting Girl Education and Breaking Infertility Stigma
Merck Foundation Chairman & CEO and the First Lady of Zimbabwe Celebrate 7 Years of Long-Term Partnership to Train healthcare providers, Support Infertile Women & Girl Education
Merck Foundation declared Gabon First Lady as Ambassador of “More than a Mother” to build healthcare capacity, break infertility stigma, and support girl education
Merck Foundation Chairman & CEO, and 12 First Ladies of Africa and Asia inaugurate the 13th Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2026
Inspiring Tomorrow's Leaders: Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej Launches her First Virtual Mentorship and Leadership Platform
Merck Foundation CEO celebrates 124 Winners from 32 Countries for their Media Awards for Breaking infertility Stigma and Supporting Girl Education
Merck Foundation declared Gabon First Lady as Ambassador of “More than a Mother” to build healthcare capacity, break infertility stigma, and support girl education
Merck Foundation Chairman & CEO, and 12 First Ladies of Africa and Asia inaugurate the 13th Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2026
Inspiring Tomorrow's Leaders: Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej Launches her First Virtual Mentorship and Leadership Platform
Merck Foundation CEO celebrates 124 Winners from 32 Countries for their Media Awards for Breaking infertility Stigma and Supporting Girl Education
Merck Foundation in partnership with Ghana First Lady and Lordina Foundation launch their “Educating Linda” Program to support Girl Education
Merck Foundation and Kenya First Lady mark a Landmark Moment for Supporting Girl Education with their "Educating Linda" Program at Kenya State House
Merck Foundation and Kenya First Lady and Minister of Health Underscore Long-term Partnership to Build Healthcare and Media Capacity and extend more Medical Scholarships to Local Doctors Nationwide
Merck Foundation announced Winners of their Fashion, Song and Film Awards 2025 for Driving Awareness on Social and Health Issues – 51 Winners from 15 Countries Announced in partnership with the First Ladies of...
Dr. Rasha Kelej Named Among the “100 Most Impactful Voices 2026” by ABCD Africa After Being Recognized Among the 100 Most Influential Africans by New African Magazine and 100 Most Influential African Women by...
Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative - MFFLI to discuss 2026 strategy and share programs’ impact to Train Healthcare Providers, Support Girl Education and Break Infertility Stigma
Merck Foundation CEO and First Ladies of Africa and Asia share their partnership journey in Transforming Patient Care Landscape, Supporting Girl Education and Breaking Infertility Stigma
Merck Foundation Chairman & CEO and the First Lady of Zimbabwe Celebrate 7 Years of Long-Term Partnership to Train healthcare providers, Support Infertile Women & Girl Education
Merck Foundation declared Gabon First Lady as Ambassador of “More than a Mother” to build healthcare capacity, break infertility stigma, and support girl education
Merck Foundation Chairman & CEO, and 12 First Ladies of Africa and Asia inaugurate the 13th Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2026
Merck Foundation in Media

Senator Rasha Kelej received Zimbabwe First Lady at the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit to discuss the strategy to reshape patient care in Zimbabwe and celebrate the success of...
Merck Foundation raises awareness about Ending Child Marriage and Supporting Girl Education in Africa through two Zambian & Ugandan Songs
Forbes Article talks about Merck Foundation CEO creating Songs With African Musicians to Raise Awareness
Senator Rasha Kelej Welcomed Angola First Lady at the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit 2025
Merck Foundation CEO meets Cabo Verde First Lady & 13 First Ladies of Africa and Asia at the 7th Edition of MFFLI Summit
Senator Rasha Kelej Received Gabon First Lady for Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit 2025
Senator Rasha Kelej Received The Gambia First Lady at the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit to Discuss Their Joint Programs to Build Healthcare Capacity
Merck Foundation CEO meets Ghana First Lady & 13 First Ladies of Africa and Asia at the 7th Edition of MFFLI Summit
First Ladies: Pledge bold action on health, education through MFFLI
Merck Foundation and First Ladies of Africa and Asia mark World Heart Day by providing 925 scholarships in 52 countries
Senator Rasha Kelej Received Kenya First Lady at the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit to Discuss Their Joint Programs to Build Healthcare Capacity
Senator Rasha Kelej Received Liberia First Lady for Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit 2025
Merck Foundation CEO meets Maldives First Lady & 13 First Ladies of Africa and Asia at the 7th Edition of MFFLI Summit
Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej appoints The First Lady of Mozambique as the Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother during the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit 2025
Merck Foundation Chief Executive Officer (CEO) meets Nigeria First Lady & 13 First Ladies of Africa at 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit to discuss the strategy to reshape...
Merck Foundation CEO Meets the First Lady of São Tome and Principe and 13 First Ladies of Africa and Asia at the 7th Edition of MFFLI Summit
Senator Rasha Kelej Received Senegal First Lady at the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit to Discuss the Impact of Their Joint Programs to Build Healthcare Capacity and Address...
Senator Rasha Kelej received Zimbabwe First Lady at the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit to discuss the strategy to reshape patient care in Zimbabwe and celebrate the success of...
Merck Foundation raises awareness about Ending Child Marriage and Supporting Girl Education in Africa through two Zambian & Ugandan Songs
Forbes Article talks about Merck Foundation CEO creating Songs With African Musicians to Raise Awareness
Senator Rasha Kelej Welcomed Angola First Lady at the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit 2025
Merck Foundation CEO meets Cabo Verde First Lady & 13 First Ladies of Africa and Asia at the 7th Edition of MFFLI Summit
Senator Rasha Kelej Received Gabon First Lady for Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit 2025
Forbes Article talks about Merck Foundation CEO creating Songs With African Musicians to Raise Awareness
Senator Rasha Kelej Welcomed Angola First Lady at the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit 2025
Merck Foundation CEO meets Cabo Verde First Lady & 13 First Ladies of Africa and Asia at the 7th Edition of MFFLI Summit
Senator Rasha Kelej Received Gabon First Lady for Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit 2025
Senator Rasha Kelej Received The Gambia First Lady at the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit to Discuss Their Joint Programs to Build Healthcare Capacity
Merck Foundation CEO meets Ghana First Lady & 13 First Ladies of Africa and Asia at the 7th Edition of MFFLI Summit
First Ladies: Pledge bold action on health, education through MFFLI
Merck Foundation and First Ladies of Africa and Asia mark World Heart Day by providing 925 scholarships in 52 countries
Senator Rasha Kelej Received Kenya First Lady at the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit to Discuss Their Joint Programs to Build Healthcare Capacity
Senator Rasha Kelej Received Liberia First Lady for Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit 2025
Merck Foundation CEO meets Maldives First Lady & 13 First Ladies of Africa and Asia at the 7th Edition of MFFLI Summit
Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej appoints The First Lady of Mozambique as the Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother during the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit 2025
Merck Foundation Chief Executive Officer (CEO) meets Nigeria First Lady & 13 First Ladies of Africa at 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit to discuss the strategy to reshape...
Merck Foundation CEO Meets the First Lady of São Tome and Principe and 13 First Ladies of Africa and Asia at the 7th Edition of MFFLI Summit
Senator Rasha Kelej Received Senegal First Lady at the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit to Discuss the Impact of Their Joint Programs to Build Healthcare Capacity and Address...
Senator Rasha Kelej received Zimbabwe First Lady at the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit to discuss the strategy to reshape patient care in Zimbabwe and celebrate the success of...
Merck Foundation raises awareness about Ending Child Marriage and Supporting Girl Education in Africa through two Zambian & Ugandan Songs
Forbes Article talks about Merck Foundation CEO creating Songs With African Musicians to Raise Awareness
Senator Rasha Kelej Welcomed Angola First Lady at the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit 2025
Testimonials of Merck Foundation Alumni

Dr. Egide Rwasa, Burundi
Diabetes Mastercourse (French) | 2020
Dr Adolphe MUHIRE, Rwanda
Merck Foundation Medical Oncology Fellowship | 2018
Dr. Moses Chirwa, Zambia
One year Postgraduate diploma in Sexual & Reproductive Medecine | 2020
Advanced ART and Fertility Specialist Training | 2018
Dr. Moses Chirwa, Zambia
One year Postgraduate diploma in Sexual & Reproductive Medecine | 2020
Advanced ART and Fertility Specialist Training | 2018
Dr. Egide Rwasa, Burundi
Diabetes Mastercourse (French) | 2020
Dr Adolphe MUHIRE, Rwanda
Merck Foundation Medical Oncology Fellowship | 2018
Dr. Moses Chirwa, Zambia
One year Postgraduate diploma in Sexual & Reproductive Medecine | 2020
Advanced ART and Fertility Specialist Training | 2018
Dr. Egide Rwasa, Burundi
Diabetes Mastercourse (French) | 2020












































































































