![]() | A Series of Articles developed by Dr. Rasha Kelej Beyond sharing ideas on leadership, influence, and social impact, I see this platform as a mentorship journey. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to work alongside remarkable leaders across Africa and beyond, and I believe that knowledge and experience become truly valuable when they are shared. Through these articles, I hope to support and inspire future leaders, especially women and young people, to believe in their potential, develop their skills, and lead with integrity, compassion, and courage. This is my contribution to sustainable development and capacity building: investing in people, sharing lessons learned, and helping to create a new generation of leaders who will shape a better future for their communities and countries. |

Merck Foundation
The Philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA

Our Programs

Our Programs

Our Vision

CAN LEAD A HEALTHY AND
FULFILLING LIFE
Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA, Germany that aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through Science and Technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality and equitable healthcare solutions, building healthcare, scientific research & media capacity, breaking infertility stigma and supporting girls' education.

Impact of Merck Foundation Programs (as of April 2026)


















Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation
Beyond Power; Leadership, Global Influence and Impact
Upcoming Programs & Call for Applications
Merck Foundation More Than A Mother ambassadors
Digital Library
Merck Foundation Presents Our Africa by Merck Foundation (TV Program)

'Our Africa by Merck Foundation' TV Program | S1 EP4: Promoting Healthy Lifestyle

'Our Africa by Merck Foundation' TV Program | S1 EP3: Breaking Infertility Stigma

'Our Africa by Merck Foundation' TV Program | S1 EP4: Promoting Healthy Lifestyle

'Our Africa by Merck Foundation' TV Program | S1 EP3: Breaking Infertility Stigma
Merck Foundation in Media

Merck Foundation raises awareness about Ending Child Marriage and Supporting Girl Education in Africa through two Zambian & Ugandan Songs
Forbes Article talks about Merck Foundation CEO creating Songs With African Musicians to Raise Awareness
Empowering Change: Dr Rasha Kelej’s vision for women-led development
Merck Foundation Africa Asia LuminaryRasha Kelej(Pdg de la Fondation Merck) : « Plusieurs de nos anciens élèves sont devenus les premiers spécialistes de leur pays »
African, Asian First Ladies Strengthen Healthcare, Girls’ Education at Merck Foundation Summit
Merck Foundation Transforming Healthcare and Social Norms Across Africa and Asia Through Training, Education and Advocacy
Senator Rasha Kelej Welcomed Angola First Lady at the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit 2025
Merck Foundation CEO meets Cabo Verde First Lady & 13 First Ladies of Africa and Asia at the 7th Edition of MFFLI Summit
Merck Foundation Chief Executive Officer (CEO) meets Nigeria First Lady & 13 First Ladies of Africa at 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit to discuss the strategy to reshape...
Merck Foundation CEO Meets the First Lady of São Tome and Principe and 13 First Ladies of Africa and Asia at the 7th Edition of MFFLI Summit
Senator Rasha Kelej Received Senegal First Lady at the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit to Discuss the Impact of Their Joint Programs to Build Healthcare Capacity and Address...
Senator Rasha Kelej received Zimbabwe First Lady at the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit to discuss the strategy to reshape patient care in Zimbabwe and celebrate the success of...
Merck Foundation raises awareness about Ending Child Marriage and Supporting Girl Education in Africa through two Zambian & Ugandan Songs
Forbes Article talks about Merck Foundation CEO creating Songs With African Musicians to Raise Awareness
Empowering Change: Dr Rasha Kelej’s vision for women-led development
Merck Foundation Africa Asia LuminaryRasha Kelej(Pdg de la Fondation Merck) : « Plusieurs de nos anciens élèves sont devenus les premiers spécialistes de leur pays »
African, Asian First Ladies Strengthen Healthcare, Girls’ Education at Merck Foundation Summit
Merck Foundation Transforming Healthcare and Social Norms Across Africa and Asia Through Training, Education and Advocacy
Empowering Change: Dr Rasha Kelej’s vision for women-led development
Merck Foundation Africa Asia LuminaryRasha Kelej(Pdg de la Fondation Merck) : « Plusieurs de nos anciens élèves sont devenus les premiers spécialistes de leur pays »
African, Asian First Ladies Strengthen Healthcare, Girls’ Education at Merck Foundation Summit
Merck Foundation Transforming Healthcare and Social Norms Across Africa and Asia Through Training, Education and Advocacy
Senator Rasha Kelej Welcomed Angola First Lady at the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit 2025
Merck Foundation CEO meets Cabo Verde First Lady & 13 First Ladies of Africa and Asia at the 7th Edition of MFFLI Summit
Merck Foundation Chief Executive Officer (CEO) meets Nigeria First Lady & 13 First Ladies of Africa at 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit to discuss the strategy to reshape...
Merck Foundation CEO Meets the First Lady of São Tome and Principe and 13 First Ladies of Africa and Asia at the 7th Edition of MFFLI Summit
Senator Rasha Kelej Received Senegal First Lady at the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit to Discuss the Impact of Their Joint Programs to Build Healthcare Capacity and Address...
Senator Rasha Kelej received Zimbabwe First Lady at the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit to discuss the strategy to reshape patient care in Zimbabwe and celebrate the success of...
Merck Foundation raises awareness about Ending Child Marriage and Supporting Girl Education in Africa through two Zambian & Ugandan Songs
Forbes Article talks about Merck Foundation CEO creating Songs With African Musicians to Raise Awareness
Empowering Change: Dr Rasha Kelej’s vision for women-led development
Merck Foundation Africa Asia LuminaryRasha Kelej(Pdg de la Fondation Merck) : « Plusieurs de nos anciens élèves sont devenus les premiers spécialistes de leur pays »
Testimonials of Merck Foundation Alumni

Dr. Egide Rwasa, Burundi
Diabetes Mastercourse (French) | 2020
Dr Adolphe MUHIRE, Rwanda
Merck Foundation Medical Oncology Fellowship | 2018
Merck Foundation Alumni
Dr. Moses Chirwa, Zambia
One year Postgraduate diploma in Sexual & Reproductive Medecine | 2020
Advanced ART and Fertility Specialist Training | 2018
Merck Foundation Alumni
Dr. Nowiah Gorpudolo-Dennis, Liberia
Advanced ART and Fertility Specialist Training | 2019
Merck Foundation Alumni
Dr. Egide Rwasa, Burundi
Diabetes Mastercourse (French) | 2020
Dr Adolphe MUHIRE, Rwanda
Merck Foundation Medical Oncology Fellowship | 2018
Merck Foundation Alumni
Dr. Moses Chirwa, Zambia
One year Postgraduate diploma in Sexual & Reproductive Medecine | 2020
Advanced ART and Fertility Specialist Training | 2018
Merck Foundation Alumni
Dr. Nowiah Gorpudolo-Dennis, Liberia
Advanced ART and Fertility Specialist Training | 2019
Merck Foundation Alumni
Dr. Egide Rwasa, Burundi
Diabetes Mastercourse (French) | 2020
Dr Adolphe MUHIRE, Rwanda
Merck Foundation Medical Oncology Fellowship | 2018
Merck Foundation Alumni
Dr. Moses Chirwa, Zambia
One year Postgraduate diploma in Sexual & Reproductive Medecine | 2020
Advanced ART and Fertility Specialist Training | 2018
Merck Foundation Alumni
Dr. Nowiah Gorpudolo-Dennis, Liberia
Advanced ART and Fertility Specialist Training | 2019
Merck Foundation Alumni
Dr. Egide Rwasa, Burundi
Diabetes Mastercourse (French) | 2020
Dr Adolphe MUHIRE, Rwanda
Merck Foundation Medical Oncology Fellowship | 2018
Merck Foundation Alumni
Dr. Moses Chirwa, Zambia
One year Postgraduate diploma in Sexual & Reproductive Medecine | 2020
Advanced ART and Fertility Specialist Training | 2018
Merck Foundation Alumni
Dr. Nowiah Gorpudolo-Dennis, Liberia
Advanced ART and Fertility Specialist Training | 2019
Merck Foundation Alumni


















































































