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 Our Vision

A WORLD WHERE EVERYONE
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. 

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Impact of Merck Foundation Programs (as of April 2026)

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Hear Our Stories



















Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation

Beyond Power; Leadership, Global Influence and Impact

Dr. Rasha Kelej

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.

Messages From Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation

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 declaring the First Lady of Ghana as the Ambassador of “More Than a Mother” during their Annual Summit in Ghana

Read more about the “Educating Linda” Program in Ghana here read more
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 Summit 2026

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...

Read about the “Educating Linda” Program at Kenya State House here read more
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 announcing 124 Winners from 32 Countries for the Media Awards for Breaking infertility Stigma and Supporting Girl Education

Please see the list of Media winners below. read more
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 declaring the First Lady of Ghana as the Ambassador of “More Than a Mother” during their Annual Summit in Ghana

Read more about the “Educating Linda” Program in Ghana here read more



Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej

Senator, Dr. Rasha KelejCEO of Merck Foundation

Merck Foundation Alumni Impact Survey

Merck Foundation Alumni Impact Survey

Merck Foundation Presents Our Africa by Merck Foundation (TV Program)


'Our Africa by Merck Foundation' TV Program | S1 EP6: Stop FGM
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'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. Rasha Kelej
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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.
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'Our Africa by Merck Foundation' TV Program | S1 EP1: Diabetes Awareness.


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

Our Articles

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Merck Foundation Chairman & CEO, and 12 First Ladies of Africa and Asia inaugurate the 13th Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2026

Merck Foundation Chairman & CEO, and 12 First Ladies of Africa and Asia inaugurate the 13th Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2026

Link to Live Stream of Inaugural Session read more
Inspiring Tomorrow's Leaders: Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej Launches her First Virtual Mentorship and Leadership Platform

Inspiring Tomorrow's Leaders: Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej Launches her First Virtual Mentorship and Leadership Platform

Link to Dr. Rasha Kelej’s Mentorship and Leadership Platform: read more
Merck Foundation CEO celebrates 124 Winners from 32 Countries for their Media Awards for Breaking infertility Stigma and Supporting Girl Education

Merck Foundation CEO celebrates 124 Winners from 32 Countries for their Media Awards for Breaking infertility Stigma and Supporting Girl Education

Merck Foundation CEO announced call for application of 2026 - Apply Now read more
Merck Foundation Chairman & CEO, and 12 First Ladies of Africa and Asia inaugurate the 13th Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2026

Merck Foundation Chairman & CEO, and 12 First Ladies of Africa and Asia inaugurate the 13th Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2026

Link to Live Stream of Inaugural Session read more

Merck Foundation in Media

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Senator Rasha Kelej Welcomed Angola First Lady at the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit 2025

Senator Rasha Kelej Welcomed Angola First Lady at the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit 2025

Read Moreknow more
Merck Foundation CEO meets Cabo Verde First Lady & 13 First Ladies of Africa and Asia at the 7th Edition of MFFLI Summit

Merck Foundation CEO meets Cabo Verde First Lady & 13 First Ladies of Africa and Asia at the 7th Edition of MFFLI Summit

Also signed an MoU to underscore long-term partnership and to continue Merck Foundation programs in the countryknow more
Senator Rasha Kelej Received Gabon First Lady for Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit 2025

Senator Rasha Kelej Received Gabon First Lady for Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit 2025

Read moreknow more
Senator Rasha Kelej Welcomed Angola First Lady at the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit 2025

Senator Rasha Kelej Welcomed Angola First Lady at the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit 2025

Read Moreknow more

Testimonials of Merck Foundation Alumni

Dr. Egide Rwasa, Burundi

Dr. Egide Rwasa, Burundi

Diabetes Mastercourse (French) | 2020

 

Personally, I have witnessed a triple impact, first on the personal level, on the patients and then on the community. Thanks to this training, I take adequate care of my patients with this pathology while ensuring a good follow-up of the continuity of the treatment (I give them appointments to come back for consultation after a certain period, for those who wish it.).read more
Dr Adolphe MUHIRE, Rwanda

Dr Adolphe MUHIRE, Rwanda

Merck Foundation Medical Oncology Fellowship | 2018
 

I am very delighted and honored to benefit from this great opportunity of Merck Foundation Scholarship of Master degree of Medical Oncology   at one of the best training sites worldwide , The National  Cancer Institute (NCI ) in Egypt.read more
Dr. Moses Chirwa, Zambia

Dr. Moses Chirwa, Zambia

One year Postgraduate diploma in Sexual & Reproductive Medecine | 2020
Advanced ART and Fertility Specialist Training | 2018
 

This training has helped me a lot in treating couples presenting with infertility.read more
Dr. Egide Rwasa, Burundi

Dr. Egide Rwasa, Burundi

Diabetes Mastercourse (French) | 2020

 

Personally, I have witnessed a triple impact, first on the personal level, on the patients and then on the community. Thanks to this training, I take adequate care of my patients with this pathology while ensuring a good follow-up of the continuity of the treatment (I give them appointments to come back for consultation after a certain period, for those who wish it.).read more