By Tendai Chisiri
Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, has been recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential Africans of 2025 by New African Magazine, UK. This prestigious award acknowledges her tireless efforts to improve healthcare, empower women, and support girl education across the continent.
Joining an esteemed group of leaders, including the Presidents of Angola, South Africa, and Ghana, Dr. Kelej is being honored for her groundbreaking work in transforming the patient care landscape and improving access to quality healthcare solutions in Africa and beyond.
Through her leadership, Merck Foundation has launched impactful programs such as the Scholarship Program for Healthcare Providers, which has provided 2500 scholarships to healthcare professionals from 52 countries, specializing in critical areas like fertility care, embryology, and sexual and reproductive medicine. Many of these alumni have become leading specialists in their countries, advancing quality and equitable healthcare.
The More Than a Mother movement, founded by Dr. Kelej in 2015, aims to break infertility stigma, raise awareness about infertility prevention, and support girl education. This initiative has worked with over 33 African and Asian First Ladies, and partnered with governments, international organizations, and media outlets to create a culture shift.
Dr. Kelej’s commitment to girl education is evident in the Merck Foundation’s scholarship program, which has provided over 1200 annual scholarships to underprivileged African schoolgirls from 19 countries, enabling them to complete their studies and reach their potential.
“I am deeply honored to be recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential Africans,” Dr. Kelej said. “This recognition encourages me and my team to strengthen our commitment to creating lasting, equitable impact across Africa for generations to come.”
Dr. Kelej’s vision and dedication have transformed lives across Africa, tackling pressing social and health challenges such as infertility, child marriage, and gender-based violence. Her innovative approach has united the media, fashion, and arts communities to raise awareness and promote change. Through initiatives like the Pan-African TV program, Health Media Training, and Annual Awards, she has inspired a new generation of leaders and change-makers.
With over 8.5 million social media followers, Dr. Kelej continues to inspire and educate, leaving a legacy of hope, empowerment, and progress across Africa.
News Sport Online 