With the continent’s largest health and social challenges often underestimated or sidelined, it is remarkable when a visionary stands out to rewrite these narratives. Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of the Merck Foundation, has emerged as one of Africa’s most transformative figures, securing a coveted spot among the “100 Most Influential Africans 2025” by the UK-based New African Magazine. Her recognition alongside powerful African presidents, from Angola’s João Lourenço to South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa and Ghana’s John Mahama, marks a pivotal moment not just in her career but in the story of healthcare and women’s empowerment across Africa.
Dr. Kelej’s influence is rooted in her tireless work to reshape a continent where healthcare gaps are vast and gender inequities entrenched. The Merck Foundation under her leadership has persistently pushed to close these divides through innovative programs targeting healthcare capacity building and social stigmas, especially relating to infertility. Infertility, a subject often cloaked in silence and shame, has been brought into public discourse by Dr. Kelej’s signature campaign, “More Than a Mother.” Since its inception in 2015, this initiative has fought to break down cultural barriers, dispel myths, and provide accessible reproductive care to women who have long suffered in silence.
The social dimensions of infertility in many African societies are profound. Women often bear the brunt of blame and isolation, facing ostracism, psychological trauma, and economic hardship. Dr. Kelej’s approach is multifaceted: not only has she facilitated access to fertility treatments through scholarships and training, but she has also pioneered media and community campaigns to shift harmful mindsets. Her “More Than a Mother” campaign operates across 42 countries in Africa and Asia, partnering with local governments and ministries to embed reproductive health as a public health priority while empowering women with the knowledge and dignity to navigate infertility challenges openly.
Integral to Dr. Kelej’s vision is the development of healthcare professionals equipped to meet Africa’s specific medical needs. Through the Merck Foundation’s Scholarship Program, over 2,500 scholarships have been awarded to healthcare providers from 52 countries. These scholarships focus on underserved specialties, including fertility, embryology, sexual and reproductive medicine, psychiatric care, and laparoscopy, which are critical to building sustainable healthcare systems across the continent. Many recipients have become the first specialists in their fields within their countries, a testament to the foundation’s lasting legacy.
The partnerships Dr. Kelej has fostered with African First Ladies have been pivotal in scaling these initiatives. By uniting influential women who champion national causes, the foundation amplifies impact through coordinated efforts in education, healthcare, and gender equality. These alliances have led to thousands of scholarships for underprivileged girls, ensuring that education is not another casualty of socio-economic barriers. More than 1,200 annual scholarships have been provided to high-performing African girls from 19 countries, enabling them to pursue schooling and unlock future opportunities that were once beyond reach.
Beyond education and healthcare, Dr. Kelej’s work addresses intersecting social issues that stifle women’s empowerment. Her leadership tackles child marriage, gender-based violence, and female genital mutilation while also creating platforms for the arts and media to give voice to marginalized communities. Through annual awards for media, fashion, film, and music, the foundation fosters a culture shift that celebrates women’s achievements and raises awareness about critical issues. This creative engagement reaches millions on social media, blending advocacy with storytelling to inspire a new generation of African women.
Dr. Kelej’s recognition by New African Magazine is not simply about individual accolades; it embodies the broader transformation she ignites across public health and social consciousness. Her inclusion alongside African heads of state and other luminaries signals how healthcare leadership and social activism are inextricably linked in shaping Africa’s future. It’s a reminder that the continent’s challenges require bold, intersectional solutions grounded in empathy and local realities.
Her impact is equally felt in economic empowerment, where she pushes the Merck Foundation’s “Empowering Berna” program. This initiative helps childless women overcome social marginalization by providing them with opportunities to start small businesses. The program frames dignity and respect as cornerstones for all women’s rights, expanding the definition of fulfillment beyond motherhood to include independence and self-sufficiency.
Dr. Kelej’s career blends scientific expertise, strategic partnerships, and compassionate leadership. With a robust background in public health and pharmaceutical sciences, she marshals resources and political will to tackle inequities creatively and effectively. The foundation’s ambitious programs are clear manifestations of her belief that sustainable development hinges on health equity and education as fundamental pillars.
As Africa wrestles with ongoing healthcare crises, from infectious diseases to reproductive health disparities, voices like Dr. Kelej’s offer a beacon of hope. Her model demonstrates how targeted investment in human capital, especially women and girls, can lay the groundwork for a healthier, more equitable future. Recognition by New African Magazine and her sustained influence over nearly a decade underscore both her effectiveness and her rising legacy on the continent.
At a time when Africa’s narrative is too often reduced to its challenges, Dr. Rasha Kelej stands out as an architect of change, redefining what is possible through vision, partnership, and relentless advocacy. Her work leaves an indelible mark not just on healthcare or women’s rights but on the very fabric of African society, inspiring generations to come. This is influence not merely counted by titles or awards, but measured in the lives transformed and the doors opened across a continent yearning for progress.
