Merck Foundation

"As a part of “More Than a Mother” movement, we have launched many initiatives to break this stigma and create a culture shift. We created Merck Foundation’s unique TV program, “Our Africa” with the aim to raise awareness and create a culture shift across Africa by raising to raise awareness about Infertility, male infertility and breaking Infertility stigma. We also launched media, fashion, song, and film awards, created 30 local songs and 9 children’s storybooks to break infertility stigma. We will continue to empower these women through our social media campaign with 8.5 million followers. It’s all about giving every woman the respect and the help she deserves to lead a fulfilling life, with or without a child.” Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO of Merck Foundation President of “More Than a Mother”

"I welcome you all to watch the testimonial of Dr. Prateebha Ramsahye, Merck Foundation Capacity Advancement Program Alumni, (Two Year Masters Degree in Critical Care) from Mauritius. More than 460 scholarships have been provided to doctors from 29 countries across Africa and Asia, as a part of "Merck Foundation Capacity Advancement Program." Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO of the 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. It was truly inspiring to meet the bright girls who have received our scholarships, celebrate their success together, and meet their supportive parents. It was also a valuable opportunity to encourage them to take their education seriously, not be afraid to dream, and work hard to achieve those dreams and reach their full potential, as part of the “Educating Linda” program together with the Voice of Children initiative. I am proud that, as part of the Educating Linda program, in partnership with the Voice of Children Foundation of the First Lady of Kenya, Merck Foundation has provided 47 annual scholarships and grants to young girls in Kenya. Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO, Merck Foundation President, “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother”

"It is a great honor to meet my dear sister, H.E. Madam ZITA OLIGUI NGUEMA, the First Lady of Gabon. We officially declared her as the Ambassador of the ‘Merck Foundation More Than a Mother’ campaign. We also formally launched the Merck Foundation programs in the country and underscored our commitment towards building healthcare and media capacity, patient care landscape transformation, breaking infertility stigma and supporting girl education, together in the country." Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO of Merck Foundation Read More: africa.com/merck-foundati…

"I welcome you all to watch the success story of Dr. Tendai Nyafesa, Merck Foundation Diabetes & Hypertension Blue Points Program Alumni, (PG Diploma in Diabetes) from Zimbabwe." Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO of Merck Foundation youtu.be/_zZN7eGUXCg

"On World Hypertension Day, let's emphasize the importance of a healthy lifestyle in preventing Hypertension. Small changes today can lead to a healthier tomorrow. I am very happy to share the remix of the 'No More Diabetes, Sugar Free' song in English, French & Portuguese. This song is part of the Merck Foundation Community Awareness Program to raise awareness on Diabetes Prevention and early Detection in Africa and beyond. So proud of this song, hope you like it." Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO of Merck Foundation Most Influential African (2019 - 2025) youtu.be/A-GZvdpyk78

"Merck Foundation is leading Africa and the rest of the world to a healthier future! More than 2600 scholarships have been provided to healthcare workers from 52 countries, out of which, around 997 scholarships have been provided in Cardiovascular Preventative Medicine, Endocrinology and Diabetes." #WorldHypertensionDay Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO of Merck Foundation

"I welcome you all to watch the testimonial of Dr. Barkire Fatoumatou, Merck Foundation More Than a Mother Program Alumni, (Advanced ART & Fertility Specialists) from Niger. Merck Foundation More Than a Mother was launched in 2016. Under this program, Merck Foundation has been providing hands-on practical training to candidates from Africa and Asia, in partnership with the Indonesian Reproductive Science Institute (IRSI), Indonesia; International Institute for Training and Research in Reproductive Health (IIRRH), India; Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), India and Indira IVF Hospitals, India. Under our ‘More Than a Mother’ campaign, we have provided more than 720 scholarships to young doctors, with the aim to advance women's health by building Reproductive & Sexual care and Fertility Care Capacity in more than 39 countries. Many of the doctors are the first-ever fertility care experts in their countries. We are proud to be making history here. Can you imagine how many patients they would be able to help!! Each doctor can help at least 2000 families per month. Merck Foundation touches people's lives every day. Congratulations to our Merck Foundation Alumni!” Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO of Merck Foundation President of 'More Than a Mother' campaign youtu.be/BZ92IeMMSOU

"I am happy to share the speech of Hon. Germain Biahodjow, Minister of Communication and Media, Gabon during the Merck Foundation Gabon Alumni Summit 2026. I am very proud to share that through our partnership, we have provided 16 scholarships for our local healthcare providers who will be the future healthcare experts of Gabon, who have either graduated, undergoing or will be starting soon the Merck Foundation scholarships of training in critical and underserved specialties such as Fertility, Embryology, Oncology, Diabetes and Hypertension. I am also very happy to share that together with The First Lady of Gabon, we are also supporting girl education by providing annual scholarships to support the education of 40 high-performing yet underprivileged schoolgirls, till they graduate, so that they can reach their potentials and achieve their dreams.” Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO of Merck Foundation President of "More Than a Mother"

“It was a great honor to visit my dear sister, H.E. Madam ZITA OLIGUI NGUEMA, the First Lady of Gabon and Ambassador of the '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 Gabon. We also visited the Ma Bannière Foundation to witness the wonderful work that the First Lady of Gabon is doing. I am very proud to share that through our partnership, we have provided 16 scholarships for our local healthcare providers who will be the future healthcare experts of Gabon, who have either graduated, undergoing or will be starting soon the Merck Foundation scholarships of training in critical and underserved specialties such as Fertility, Embryology, Oncology, Diabetes and Hypertension. I am also very happy to share that together with The First Lady of Gabon, we are also supporting girl education by providing annual scholarships to support the education of 40 high-performing yet underprivileged schoolgirls, till they graduate, so that they can reach their potentials and achieve their dreams.” Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO of Merck Foundation President of “More Than a Mother”

“I welcome you all to hear a testimonial of Dr. Elizabeth Esi Crentsil, Merck Foundation Advance ART & Fertility Fellowship Alumni, Ghana (PG Diploma in Sexual and Reproductive Medicine and MSc in Sexual and Reproductive Medicine) from the Merck Foundation More Than a Mother Program. I am very proud of this project, launched in 2016 as part of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother. Under this program, Merck Foundation has been providing hands-on practical training to candidates from Africa and Asia, in partnership with the Indonesian Reproductive Science Institute (IRSI), Indonesia; International Institute for Training and Research in Reproductive Health (IIRRH), India; Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), India and Indira IVF Hospitals, India. I am very proud to partner with my dear sister & Ambassador of "More Than a Mother" campaign, Ghana First Lady, H.E. Mrs. REBECCA AKUFO-ADDO to empower infertile women through access to information, education, health and change of mindset.” Under our ‘More Than a Mother’ campaign, we have provided more than 520 scholarships to young doctors, with the aim to advance women's health by building Reproductive & Sexual care and Fertility Care Capacity in more than 38 countries. Many of the doctors are the first-ever fertility care experts in their countries. We are proud to be making history here. Can you imagine how many patients they would be able to help!! Each doctor can help at least 2000 families per month. Merck Foundation touches people's lives every day. Congratulations to our Merck Foundation Alumni!” Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO of Merck Foundation President of 'More Than a Mother' campaign youtu.be/AL3X8w2iNnE

"Beautiful memories from 2025. I am delighted to share the impactful speech of the First Lady of Ghana, H.E. Mrs. LORDINA DRAMANI MAHAMA sharing her experience, valuable insights, and the transformative development programs being implemented across the country during the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit 2025. At Merck Foundation, we remain committed to working together with our ambassadors to build a healthier and more equitable future for all. Please take time to listen carefully to learn more." Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO of the Merck Foundation

"At Merck Foundation we observe "World Hypertension Day" by expanding access to quality and equitable care in Hypertension, Diabetes, Endocrinology and Cardiovascular preventive care, by providing, out of 2600 scholarships, more than 997 scholarships for young healthcare providers from 52 countries, of One-Year Online PG Diplomas and Two-Year Online Master's Degrees in Diabetes, Preventative Cardiovascular Medicine Endocrinology, Cardiology, and Obesity Weight Management, as well as One-Year Clinical Cardiovascular Care and Clinical Diabetes Onsite Fellowship Programs, to doctors from across the country, ensuring wider geographic coverage." #WorldHypertensionDay Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO of Merck Foundation One of the most Influential Africans (2019- 2025)

"I am delighted to launch the “Ray of Hope” storybook and animation film, in partnership with my dear sisters, the African First Ladies, to mark Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Through this initiative, we aim to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and treatment of childhood cancer. At Merck Foundation, through our Cancer Access Program, we remain deeply committed to improving access to quality and equitable cancer care across underserved communities. Our Cancer Access Program is built on three strong pillars that are very close to my heart. Through the Merck Foundation Oncology Fellowship Program, we are empowering doctors across Africa with specialized training, fellowships, and master’s degrees — in collaboration with Ministries of Health and leading institutions, with hands-on clinical experience in India, Egypt, and Kenya. Through More Than a Patient, we support and empower female cancer survivors to rebuild their lives and regain economic independence. And with our Community Awareness initiative, we continue to break stigma, raise awareness, and educate communities about prevention, early detection, and treatment. To date, we have provided over 230 scholarships to train oncologists from 34 countries, building sustainable cancer care capacity across Africa. Together, we continue to bring a true Ray of Hope to children and families affected by cancer. Stay tuned for more memorable moments!" Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO, Merck Foundation Chairperson, Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary

“I am honored to receive this beautiful gift by my dear sister the first lady of Kenya H.E. Mrs. RACHEL RUTO, and Ambassador of “Merck foundation More Than a Mother” campaign. This amazing handmade Kenyan necklace made by strong Kenyan women artists. Vey stylish and very close to my heart. ❤️ what do you think?! …..” Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO of Merck Foundation President of “More Than a Mother”

"I was honored to hold a strategic meeting with H.E. Mrs. Lordina Dramani Mahama, the First Lady of the Republic of Ghana and a strong Ambassador of our 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 Merck Foundation CEO

"I welcome you all to watch the success story of Dr. Kwasi Owusu Offei, Merck Foundation Capacity Advancement Program Alumni, (PG Diploma in Critical Care) from Ghana." Dr. Rasha Kelej Merck Foundation CEO youtu.be/5GVw0Cas6ws

"Eat healthy, Exercise regularly, Stop smoking, Say No To Sugar, Limit Alcohol intake. Make your health a priority to contribute to the social and economic development of your community and country." #WorldHypertensionDay Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO of Merck Foundation

"I welcome you all to watch the success story of Dr. Baaba Damoah, Merck Foundation Diabetes & Hypertension Blue Points Program Alumni, PG Diploma in Preventative Cardiovascular Medicine) from Ghana." Dr. Rasha Kelej Merck Foundation CEO youtu.be/Rxyyxona3Y0

“Merck Foundation is leading Africa and the rest of the world to a healthier future! More than 2600 scholarships have been provided to healthcare workers from 52 countries, out of which, around 997 scholarships have been provided in Cardiovascular Preventative Medicine, Endocrinology and Diabetes. #WorldHypertensionDay “I welcome you all to hear a testimonial of Dr. Bernard Kwaku Okai, Merck Foundation Advance ART & Fertility Fellowship Alumni, Ghana (On-Campus Fertility specialist Training) from the Merck Foundation More Than a Mother Program. I am very proud of this project, launched in 2016 as part of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother. Under this program, Merck Foundation has been providing hands-on practical training to candidates from Africa and Asia, in partnership with the Indonesian Reproductive Science Institute (IRSI), Indonesia; International Institute for Training and Research in Reproductive Health (IIRRH), India; Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), India and Indira IVF Hospitals, India. I am very proud to partner with my dear sister & Ambassador of "More Than a Mother" campaign, Ghana First Lady, H.E. Mrs. REBECCA AKUFO-ADDO to empower infertile women through access to information, education, health and change of mindset.” Under our ‘More Than a Mother’ campaign, we have provided more than 520 scholarships to young doctors, with the aim to advance women's health by building Reproductive & Sexual care and Fertility Care Capacity in more than 38 countries. Many of the doctors are the first-ever fertility care experts in their countries. We are proud to be making history here. Can you imagine how many patients they would be able to help!! Each doctor can help at least 2000 families per month. Merck Foundation touches people's lives every day. Congratulations to our Merck Foundation Alumni!” Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO of Merck Foundation President of 'More Than a Mother' campaign youtu.be/dk6aL5hyzxs

“It was a great honor to visit my dear sister, H.E. Madam ZITA OLIGUI NGUEMA, the First Lady of Gabon and Ambassador of the '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 Gabon. We also visited the Ma Bannière Foundation to witness the wonderful work that the First Lady of Gabon is doing. I am very proud to share that through our partnership, we have provided 16 scholarships for our local healthcare providers who will be the future healthcare experts of Gabon, who have either graduated, undergoing or will be starting soon the Merck Foundation scholarships of training in critical and underserved specialties such as Fertility, Embryology, Oncology, Diabetes and Hypertension. I am also very happy to share that together with The First Lady of Gabon, we are also supporting girl education by providing annual scholarships to support the education of 40 high-performing yet underprivileged schoolgirls, till they graduate, so that they can reach their potentials and achieve their dreams.” Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO of Merck Foundation President of “More Than a Mother”