Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation has been recognized as the “Most Influential African Woman”

Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation has been recognized, for the fourth year, as the “Most Influential African Woman and Everyday Hero by New Africa Woman Magazine, UK, to acknowledge her efforts for patient care transformation and Girl Education and her fight against infertility stigma and child marriage.

In this context, she commented:

 “I am honored to receive this recognition. Thank you all for recognizing my efforts and commitment and also Merck Foundation's commitment to increase the limited number of qualified and specialized doctors in Africa."

Rasha Kelej has been successfully leading the Merck Foundation programs for the past 10 years and works closely with 20 African First Ladies as Ambassadors of Merck Foundation and Ministries of Health, Education, Information, Communication, Media and Art societies in 50 countries.

Through Merck Foundation, she has helped to break infertility stigma and transform patient care by providing 1470 scholarships to doctors from 50 countries, in 32 underserved medical specialties.

“This is a history in the making that makes us an important part of Africa’s legacy”, she added.

She strongly believes in girls education; therefore, they provided scholarships to hundreds of schoolgirls to continue their education to reach their potentials.

She is currently hosting a pan-African TV program “Our Africa by Merck Foundation”, conceptualized and directed by her, to sensitize communities about sensitive social and health issues through science, fashion and art.