Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of the Merck Foundation, has been named one of the “100 Most Impactful Voices 2026” by ABCD Africa, highlighting African women leaders who are making a tangible difference in their communities. The announcement, timed ahead of International Women’s Day 2026, celebrates women across all 54 African nations who are driving social change, including heads of state and influential community leaders.
This accolade adds to Dr. Kelej’s long list of recognitions. She was listed among the “100 Most Influential Africans 2025” by New African Magazine and has been acknowledged for seven consecutive years among the “100 Most Influential African Women” by Avance Media. These honours reflect her dedication to expanding healthcare access, promoting girls’ education, and empowering women throughout Africa.
In a statement, Dr. Kelej expressed her gratitude for the recognition and highlighted the foundation’s work over the past 14 years. She spoke of her commitment to strengthening healthcare services, transforming patient care, combating infertility stigma, and supporting education for underprivileged girls. She also congratulated fellow honourees and emphasised the power of collective efforts in creating positive change.
Under her leadership, the Merck Foundation has trained thousands of healthcare providers through scholarships in 44 critical medical fields across 52 countries. In collaboration with African first ladies, the foundation provides annual scholarships to over 1,200 high-achieving but underprivileged girls from 19 countries, helping them complete their education and build careers.
Dr. Kelej is also the founder of the “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” campaign, a programme supporting infertile and childless women through education, counselling, and healthcare services. Beyond this, she has led initiatives to address child marriage, female genital mutilation, and health awareness on conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and cancer through media campaigns, storybooks, and community outreach.
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