“I am happy to announce the Call for Applications for Merck Foundation Fashion Awards 2026 – ‘Diabetes & Hypertension’, in partnership with my dear sisters, the African and Asian First Ladies. All African Fashion Students and Designers are invited to create and share designs to deliver strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle and raising awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension. Last date to apply is approaching soon!” Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO of Merck Foundation Apply here: merck-foundation.com/Awards-…

"It was a great honour to sign an MoU with H.E. Dr. Débora Katisa Carvalho, the First Lady of Cabo Verde and a committed 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." Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO, Merck Foundation

"At Kenya State House, it was a great honour to visit my dear sister, H.E. Mrs. Rachel Ruto, First Lady of Kenya, Office of the First Lady Kenya, and Ambassador of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother”, to officially launch our long-term partnership to build healthcare capacity, support girls’ education, and break the infertility stigma in Kenya." Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO, Merck Foundation

"I’m happy to share the full video of a truly meaningful milestone leading the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative (MFFLI) 2025 Committee Meeting in Dubai. This powerful gathering was filled with purpose, passion, and unity." Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO of Merck Foundation

"I welcome you all to watch the testimonial of Dr. Samuel Mucheru, Merck Foundation Alumni, (two year Master's Degree in Diabetes - 2016) from Kenya." Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO of Merck Foundation youtube.com/watch?v=-eGBO88S…

“Why Mental Hygiene Matters More Than Ever for Leaders. Ignoring your mental hygiene; the result is that we become busy without necessarily being effective. We become reactive instead of strategic, spending less time creating meaningful impact and more time managing our emotions, dealing with health problems, visiting doctors, struggling with low energy, and eventually counting the years—or even the days—until retirement. This is why I believe the busiest leaders are not necessarily the most impactful or successful ones. We often see leaders who look older than their age, overwhelmed, stressed, and exhausted, and somehow interpret these signs as evidence of hard work, commitment, and dedication. Meanwhile, a leader who looks younger, healthier, happier, energetic, and stylish may not be perceived as working equally hard or carrying the same level of responsibility. I strongly disagree with this perception. Exhaustion should not be a badge of leadership. Neglecting yourself should not be proof of dedication. In fact, I believe the opposite deserves consideration: How can you sustainably manage the health and well-being of an entire organization if you cannot manage your own? How can you expect others to honor their commitments when you repeatedly break the commitments you have made to yourself and your health? Taking care of yourself does not make you less ambitious, less hardworking, or less committed. It can make you a more sustainable, focused, and effective leader. Looking exhausted is not evidence of impact. Looking healthy and happy is not evidence of an easy life. Just think about it. Read “My Daily Discipline Behind Clear Thinking, Better Decisions, and Sustainable Leadership”. The Leadership Practice We Rarely Discuss-but Can No Longer Ignore.” Full article: rasha-kelej.com/?p=9935 Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO of Merck Foundation

"I strongly believe that art and media play significant roles in raising awareness about sensitive topics like infertility; hence, they will contribute significantly to breaking the stigma around infertile women in Africa if utilized properly. Merck Foundation has worked closely with local singers to create this beautiful song that addresses the same issue to sensitize the community with the aim to break the stigma of infertility and empower infertile women." Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO Merck Foundation youtu.be/5lEqiyeRYgs

"I welcome you all to watch the testimonial of Dr. Christine Ellen Elleanor Williams from Sierra Leone, a Merck Foundation Diabetes & Hypertension Blue Points Program alumna who received a One-Year Postgraduate Diploma in Endocrinology." Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO of Merck Foundation youtu.be/iYr4AgHdNBk

"I’m happy to share the photos of a truly meaningful milestone — leading the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative (MFFLI) 2025 Committee Meeting in Dubai. I am deeply inspired by the unity and leadership each First Lady brings to this mission. Together, we are not only advocating — we are transforming lives." Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO of Merck Foundation

"I am honored to share with you some memories from the official launch of Merck Foundation programs in Ghana. I was delighted 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 honor her outstanding contribution as the Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother." Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO of Merck Foundation

"I am very happy to launch the 'Mark's Pressure' animation film in partnership with my dear sisters, the African First Ladies. Through our new children's storybook, we want to emphasize the importance of early detection and prevention of Hypertension." Watch the full animation film here: youtu.be/mWlQR6QH5_s Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO of Merck Foundation

“It is an honor to witness the great work that my dear sister and our long-term partner, H.E. Mrs. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW, The First Lady of The Gambia & Ambassador of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother”, is doing in collaboration with Merck Foundation for supporting Girl Education via providing annual scholarships for 40 school girls to complete their education and reach their potential. Hear from success stories of some of the 40 girls who are recipients of Merck Foundation Educating Linda Scholarships and how it has transformed their journey. Through Merck Foundation "Educating Linda" program in partnership with African First Ladies, more than 1,500 annual scholarships are awarded to African schoolgirls from 21 countries, covering school fees and other essential educational expenses, including books, uniforms and transport, enabling them to complete their education and reach their full potential. Congratulations on this great milestone! I am proud to be associated with The Gambia First Lady for this transformative journey.” Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO of Merck Foundation President of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother

It is a great privilege to welcome our distinguished Guests of Honour and Keynote Speakers, the First Ladies of Africa and Asia, who are Ambassadors of our “More Than a Mother” campaign, to the 13th Edition of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary. Together, we exchanged valuable experiences and engaged in meaningful discussions on the impact of our programmes, which aim to transform patient care and raise awareness of a wide range of critical social and health issues. Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO of Merck Foundation Read More: ghanaiantimes.com.gh/merck-f…

"I welcome you all to watch the testimonial of Dr. Abdul-Rahim Sadik from Ghana, a Merck Foundation Capacity Advancement Program alumnus who received a Postgraduate Diploma in Respiratory Medicine and an MSc in Respiratory Medicine through the programme." Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO of Merck Foundation youtu.be/VqMlrphdXcM

"It was a great honour to meet my dear sister, H.E. the First Lady of the Republic of Zambia and Ambassador of the Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” campaign, to discuss our long-term partnership, celebrate our achievements, and mark important milestones reflecting the success and impact of our programmes. I am very happy to share that, together, we have provided 126 scholarships to Zambian doctors across 39 critical and underserved medical specialties, including Diabetes, Endocrinology, Oncology, Fertility, Embryology, Gastroenterology, Respiratory Medicine, Cardiology, Clinical Psychiatry, Dermatology, Emergency and Resuscitation Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Obesity and Weight Management, Pain Management, and more. Of these 126 scholarships, 46 have been awarded in Fertility, Embryology, and Sexual and Reproductive Medicine. Additionally, 51 scholarships have been provided in Diabetes, Cardiology, Endocrinology, and Obesity and Weight Management. Upon completing their training, these doctors will be equipped to establish diabetes or hypertension clinics in their health centres or hospitals, helping prevent and manage these conditions within their communities. Furthermore, 10 scholarships have been provided to Zambian doctors in Oncology. Merck Foundation and the First Lady of Zambia are working together to transform cancer care in the country. We have also provided 19 scholarships in other critical and underserved specialties, including Gastroenterology, Respiratory Medicine, Clinical Psychiatry, Dermatology in Clinical Practice, Pain Management, Emergency and Resuscitation Medicine, and Infectious Diseases." Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO of Merck Foundation Read more: merck-foundation.com/CEO-Mes…

"All of us must come together to say “No to Infertility Stigma.” This is a strong and urgent message we are proudly echoing across Africa and beyond — from the heart of our communities to the rest of the world. Together, we are working at every level to empower women, to ensure they are seen, heard, and supported — regardless of their fertility status. Let’s keep using our voices to break the silence, challenge the stigma, and uplift every woman’s journey. Stay tuned for more!" Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO of Merck Foundation President of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative (MFFLI) youtu.be/p4rhr6kl9Ks

"I am very happy to launch “Sugar Free Jude,” an animated story created in partnership with my dear sisters, the African First Ladies. Through this animated adaptation of our children’s storybook, we aim to highlight the importance of a healthy lifestyle and the early detection and prevention of diabetes. In partnership with the African First Ladies and Ministries of Health, the Merck Foundation has provided more than 780 scholarships to doctors from 43 countries for one-year diploma and two-year master’s programs in diabetes, preventive cardiovascular medicine, and endocrinology. These include master’s courses in diabetes management for French-, Portuguese-, and Spanish-speaking doctors, helping ensure geographical coverage and transform the diabetes care landscape across Africa and beyond." Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO of Merck Foundation Most Influential African Woman (2019–2025) Watch, share, and subscribe for more: youtu.be/iefwLSbOGT4

"I am proud to share photos from my recent meeting with the First Lady of Burundi, H.E. Angeline Ndayishimiye. I also recognize her efforts to build healthcare capacity, empower women, support girls’ education, and break infertility stigma as a Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” Ambassador. We discussed our long-term collaboration and partnership with her Foundation, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Education. Together, we will continue working to build healthcare capacity, provide specialty training for more doctors, and empower girls through education. Stay tuned to learn more about the launch of our partnership. Thank you, Madam First Lady, my dear sister, for your visit and for this valuable meeting." Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO of Merck Foundation

"I invite you to watch the testimonial of Ms. Mai Hydara from The Gambia, an alumna of the Merck Foundation Cancer Access Program who received training in gynecologic oncology nursing. The Merck Foundation has provided more than 230 scholarships to train oncologists from 34 countries and help build cancer care capacity across Africa. The Merck Foundation Cancer Access Program reflects our commitment to improving access to quality and equitable cancer care in underserved communities. In Africa and other developing countries, limited financial resources are not the only challenge. A shortage of trained healthcare professionals who can support cancer prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment at every level of the healthcare system is an even greater challenge. To strengthen cancer care at all relevant levels, the program comprises three initiatives: Merck Foundation Oncology Fellowship Program: This initiative builds professional cancer care capacity and aims to increase the number of oncologists in Africa. It offers one-, two-, and three-year fellowship, diploma, and master’s degree programs for African doctors. Clinical training takes place in India, Egypt, and Kenya, in partnership with African Ministries of Health, local governments, and academic institutions. Scholarships are also provided for a two-year online postgraduate diploma in Cancer and Clinical Oncology and a one-year online postgraduate diploma in Medical Oncology from reputed universities in the UK.We are working to build multidisciplinary oncology care teams in many countries by providing hands-on clinical training in specialties and fields including medical oncology, surgical oncology, gynecologic oncology, pediatric oncology, radiation oncology, pain and palliative care medicine, hematologic oncology, interventional radiology, breast surgery, head and neck oncology, radiation technology, oncology nursing, laboratory technology, cytoscreening, and oncology research. Merck Foundation More Than a Patient: This initiative empowers women cancer survivors to reclaim their lives and reintegrate into society. Merck Foundation Community Awareness: This initiative shares accurate cancer information through medical camps and digital media to help tackle myths, misconceptions, and stigma." Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO of Merck Foundation One of the Most Influential African Women (2019 - 2025) youtube.com/watch?v=QM6BbX3Z…

“At Merck Foundation, we remain committed to transforming the patient care landscape and improving access to quality and equitable healthcare solutions across Africa, Asia, and beyond. The Merck Foundation has provided more than 2,600 scholarships for young healthcare providers from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties. Through these scholarships, many of our Merck Foundation alumni are becoming the first-ever specialists in their respective fields in their countries, including Namibia, Liberia, The Gambia, Burundi, Malawi, Sierra Leone, Zambia, Guinea, Ethiopia, Congo, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Zimbabwe, among others. This is truly history in the making, and we are proud to be a part of Africa’s legacy by empowering a new generation of healthcare specialists who will serve generations to come.” Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO of Merck Foundation President of “More Than a Mother”