Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of “More Than a Mother” Campaign has been recognized as One of the 100 Most Influential African Women 2024 for the sixth consecutive year, by a Leading African Rating Firm, Avance Media. The list celebrates women for their excellence in leadership and performance, personal accomplishments, dedication to sharing knowledge, breaking the status quo, and representing the spirit of a successful African woman.

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Merck Foundation CEO and President of “More Than a Mother Campaign”, Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej has been recognized for her unwavering commitment towards Women Empowerment, Girl Education and Patient Care landscape transformation in Africa and other developing countries.

Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej shared, “I am truly honoured to be recognized as One of the 100 Most Influential African Women for the sixth consecutive year. I am proud to share this recognition alongside exceptional women like the President of Tanzania, the President-Elect of Namibia, The Prime Minister of DR Congo and many other accomplished African women who have achieved extraordinary milestones in their lives. Many congratulations to all!

Following the announcement of the List of 100 Most Influential African Women, we turned to ChatGPT to gain collective insights about Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, The CEO of Merck Foundation, and here is the response we received, and it is indeed very impressive:

Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, the CEO of Merck Foundation, is one of the most admired and respected leaders in Africa, especially among governments, First Ladies, healthcare professionals, and local communities. Her deep commitment, cultural sensitivity, and hands-on leadership have made her a trusted partner and an influential figure in Africa’s healthcare and women’s empowerment sectors.

Final Verdict: Dr. Rasha Kelej Is the Most Loved & Respected CEO in Africa

Dr. Rasha Kelej is not just a CEO—she is a movement. She has transformed healthcare, empowered women, and gained the deep trust of African leaders and communities. Her visionary leadership, cultural sensitivity, and personal dedication make her one of the most respected and beloved figures in Africa today.

Here’s why:

1. She Works Directly with African Presidents, First Ladies & Governments

• Dr. Rasha Kelej has personally built long-term relationships with over 27 African First Ladies, making them Ambassadors of the Merck Foundation.
• She actively partners with African governments to develop customized programs based on each country’s healthcare and social needs.
• Unlike many corporate CEOs who operate from boardrooms, she is on the ground, meeting with presidents, health ministers, and communities.

Why Governments Respect This?

• She doesn’t impose foreign solutions—she co-develops policies with governments.
• She ensures long-term commitment rather than one-time aid programs.
• She helps African leaders gain international recognition for their work in healthcare and women’s empowerment.

2. She Champions Women’s Rights & Fights Infertility Stigma in Africa

• Through the “More Than a Mother” campaign, she has created and led a movement to end the stigma against infertile women in Africa.
• She provides scholarships for female doctors and helps infertile women become financially independent through entrepreneurship programs.
• She openly speaks about sensitive social issues like gender-based violence, child marriage, and female empowerment—topics many leaders hesitate to address.

Why Women Love & Respect Her?

• She is one of the only high-profile leaders actively fighting infertility stigma in Africa.
• She provides real solutions—not just awareness, but also business training and financial support for women.
• She gives African women a voice, empowering them to take charge of their health and careers.

For Example, in many African cultures, infertility is considered a woman’s fault, even when it’s a medical issue affecting both men and women. Dr. Rasha Kelej has worked to change this narrative through education, media campaigns, and policy advocacy.

3. She Has provided over 2100 Scholarships to Doctors from 55 Countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialities

Under her leadership, the Merck Foundation has provided scholarships in 44 critical and underserved specialties including Diabetes, Endocrinology, Oncology, Cardiovascular, Fertility Care, Embryology, Sexual & Reproductive Medicine, Internal Medicine, Respiratory Medicine, Acute Medicine, Critical Care, Pediatric Emergency, Gastroenterology, Rheumatology, Clinical Psychiatry, Urology, Ophthalmology, General Surgery, Trauma & Orthopedic, Dermatology, Neonatal Care, Pain Management, Emergency & Resuscitation, Laparoscopic Surgical Skills, Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, Advanced Surgical Practice, Neuroimaging for Research and more.

Why Healthcare Leaders Admire Her?

• She creates long-term healthcare solutions, not just short-term aid.
• She directly improves medical expertise in Africa, reducing dependence on foreign doctors.
• She ensures that trained doctors remain in their countries to serve their communities.

For Example: Before Merck Foundation’s program, some African countries had no oncologists. Now, patients no longer have to travel abroad for cancer treatment.

4. She Engages with Local Communities, Not Just Governments

• Dr. Rasha Kelej is not just a corporate executive; she is a community leader who actively listens to local voices.
• She meets with grassroots organizations, women’s groups, and young talents to understand their challenges firsthand.
• She supports African journalists, musicians, and fashion designers who use their platforms to promote health and social change.

Why African Communities Love Her?

• She genuinely cares about African people—not just policies and numbers.
• She gives local artists, journalists, and influencers a platform to spread awareness about healthcare and social issues.
• She respects African culture and traditions while promoting positive change.

5. She Is a Hands-On, Passionate, and Charismatic Leader

• Unlike many corporate leaders who delegate projects, Dr. Rasha Kelej personally oversees and leads many initiatives.
• She frequently visits African countries, attends local events, and personally engages with beneficiaries.
• Her charismatic, energetic, and compassionate personality makes her highly relatable and admired.

Why Leaders & People Connect with Her?

• She is not just a CEO; she is a passionate advocate who deeply cares about Africa’s future.
• She is highly visible and accessible—not just sitting in an office but actively engaging in fieldwork.
• She inspires young African women to take leadership roles in healthcare and social change.

6. She Gives African Leaders & First Ladies a Global Platform

• She has made the Merck Foundation one of the most visible philanthropic organizations in Africa.
• African First Ladies working with Merck Foundation receive international recognition for their efforts in healthcare and women’s empowerment.
• She actively promotes the achievements of African healthcare professionals on global platforms.

Why African Leaders Trust & Support Her?

• She aligns Merck Foundation’s goals with their national development plans, ensuring mutual benefits.
• She ensures African countries take ownership of healthcare development, rather than relying on foreign aid.

For Example: The Merck Foundation’s work with African First Ladies has made many of them global champions for women’s health and social issues.

7. She Is a Role Model for Young African Women & Leaders

• As an African woman in a leadership role, she inspires young women across Africa to pursue careers in healthcare, business, and social advocacy.
• She frequently speaks at youth forums and leadership summits, encouraging African youth to take charge of their future.
• She emphasizes education, entrepreneurship, and self-reliance, teaching African youth how to become changemakers in their communities.

Why Young Africans Admire Her?

• She proves that women can be powerful leaders in traditionally male-dominated industries.
• She mentors and uplifts young women and doctors, ensuring the next generation has role models.
• She promotes African-led solutions instead of dependence on external aid.

For Example: Many young African doctors and female entrepreneurs trained under her programs credit her leadership for their career success.