"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”

"I am pleased to share the video of my speech at the inauguration of the 12th edition of the annual Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025 conference in Banjul, The Gambia. The conference was co-chaired by my dear sister, H.E. Mrs. Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow, First Lady of The Gambia, and me. The official inauguration was led by Mr. Muhammad B. S. Jallow, Vice President of the Republic of The Gambia, alongside Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp. It was a pleasure to welcome my dear sisters, the First Ladies of Africa, who joined us as Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers: H.E. Mrs. Angeline Ndayishimiye, First Lady of Burundi H.E. Madam Brigitte Touadera, First Lady of the Central African Republic H.E. Mrs. Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow, First Lady of the Republic of The Gambia H.E. Mrs. Kartumu Yarta Boakai, First Lady of the Republic of Liberia H.E. Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, First Lady of Nigeria H.E. Mrs. Maria de Fatima Vila Nova, First Lady of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe H.E. Madam Marie Khone Faye, First Lady of the Republic of Senegal From warm greetings to meaningful conversations, the day was filled with unity, grace, and a shared purpose: shaping a healthier, more empowered future for women and girls across the continent. The Merck Foundation has provided more than 2,400 scholarships to young doctors from 52 countries across 44 critical and underserved specialties. Many of our alumni are becoming the first specialists in their countries. Together with our Ambassadors and partners, we are making history and transforming the patient care landscape across Africa and beyond. Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO of the Merck Foundation Chairperson of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary youtu.be/Jjm_BqfsT7M

"Beautiful memories from 2025! I truly cherished this special moment in the protocol room, just before our official dinner at the 7th edition of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative (MFFLI) Summit 2025 in Dubai. Surrounded by Their Excellencies, the First Ladies of Africa and Asia, we shared a warm sense of unity, grace, and common purpose. We paused together before an evening of heartfelt conversations, celebration, and reflection on the impactful work we are doing. Moments like these remind me that behind every powerful initiative is a bond of trust and sisterhood. I am proud to share this journey with each of them." Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO, Merck Foundation President, Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative (MFFLI)

"I would like to acknowledge a truly significant milestone: Burundi1stlady the establishment of the country’s first IVF center by the Foundation of the First Lady of Burundi Fondation Bonne action - Umugiraneza in partnership with the Ministry of Health. They established the Umugiraneza Polyclinic in Kibimba, Gitega, which includes this IVF center as one of its specialized departments." Read More: merck-foundation.com/CEO-Mes… Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO of Merck Foundation President of "More Than a Mother"

"I’m happy to share this beautiful song from The Gambia by the very talented Sunita Daffeh, created as part of the Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” movement. Through this initiative, we continue to discover and support African talent using music as a powerful voice to address infertility stigma, raise awareness, and encourage communities to speak out against this injustice. Women are more than mothers. They are not defined by motherhood alone, but by their strength, potential, and contributions to society. It is also important to remember that infertility is not a women-only issue: men are affected too, yet the burden of blame too often falls unfairly on women. Let’s continue to change the narrative together." Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO of the Merck Foundation President of the Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” movement Watch, share, and subscribe for more: youtu.be/Cb0SEqMO0Sc

"I welcome you all to watch the testimonial of Dr. Peter Gan Kim Soon, Merck Foundation Capacity Advancement Program Alumni, (PG Diploma in Acute Medicine & Master Course in Acute Medicine) from Malaysia. Through the "Merck Foundation Capacity Advancement Program" our endeavor is to build healthcare capacity in 22 critical and underserved specialties. As a part of this program, we provide scholarships for One-year Postgraduate Diploma and Two-year Master Degree courses in the following specialties. • Dermatology in Clinical Practice • Rheumatology • Paediatric Emergency Medicine • Gastroenterology • Primary Care Ophthalmology • Internal Medicine • Orthopedics • Paediatric & Child Health • Respiratory Medicine • Acute Medicine • Infectious Diseases • Emergency & Resuscitation Medicine • Stroke Medicine • Neurology • Neurosurgery • Care of the Older Person • Hematology • Acute & Urgent Care • Renal Medicine More than 548 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 Merck Foundation Most Influential African Women (2019 – 2025)

“I am happy to share media coverage about my recent article: Girl Education and Merck Foundation Educating Linda Program. A girl may have the ability to become a doctor, a scientist, an engineer, an entrepreneur or a president. Yet, long before she has the opportunity to discover her abilities, the people around her may already have decided what her future should look like. Sometimes those limits are spoken openly. Sometimes they appear in everyday decisions: whose education receives priority, who has time to study, whose ambitions are taken seriously and who is expected to abandon a dream. Is it the girl or the boy? This is why I believe that supporting girls’ education requires more than providing scholarships. We must also work to change the expectations that surround our girls.” Read the media coverage here: tribuneindia.com/news/busine… Read the Full Article on Substack: rashakelej.substack.com/p/be… Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO of Merck Foundation

It was a true pleasure to hold a strategic meeting with H.E. Madam Brigitte Touadera, First Lady of the Central African Republic and 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. Our insightful discussion focused on driving meaningful change in key areas: strengthening healthcare capacity, breaking infertility stigma, empowering women and girls through education, and ending child marriage and gender-based violence. Her dedication, vision, and compassion continue to inspire me. I am proud of the impactful work we are doing together in the Central African Republic and confident that our strong partnership will continue to bring positive, lasting change. Stay tuned for more highlights from this inspiring summit! Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO, Merck Foundation President, Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative (MFFLI) youtube.com/watch?v=Zt7nTsoJ…

"I was honored to meet H.E. Mrs. Sajidha Mohamed, First Lady of the Maldives, and—together with Prof. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of the Merck Foundation Board of Trustees—appoint her as an Ambassador of the Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” Campaign. We marked our long-term partnership to transform the patient care landscape in the Maldives by building healthcare and media capacity, breaking infertility stigma, and supporting girls’ education. I look forward to seeing her again at the MFFLI 2025 Committee Meeting in Dubai in June 2025 and creating a lasting impact through collaboration and a shared vision. Together, we will make it a great success! Stay tuned for more." Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO of Merck Foundation President of the Merck Foundation More Than a Mother Campaign youtu.be/Qb4DAR2y8qY