By Peter John
Rasha Kelej has once again been named among Africa’s 100 Most Influential Women, marking her seventh consecutive appearance on the list published by Avance Media.
The recognition adds to her growing list of accolades, coming shortly after she was featured in the 100 Most Influential Africans 2025 ranking by New African Magazine. She joins a distinguished group of leaders on the continent, including Samia Suluhu Hassan and Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.
The annual list highlights African women whose leadership and contributions continue to shape decision-making and drive impact across sectors both locally and globally.
Dr. Kelej, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Merck Foundation and President of the “More Than a Mother” campaign, said the recognition reflects the broader work being done to improve lives across the continent.
“I am deeply honored to be recognized for the seventh consecutive year. It is a privilege to be named alongside inspiring leaders and change-makers across Africa,” she said.
Over the past decade, the Merck Foundation has rolled out a series of programmes aimed at strengthening healthcare systems, expanding access to education, and empowering women.
One of its flagship initiatives has seen more than 2,500 scholarships awarded to healthcare professionals from 52 countries, focusing on critical and underserved medical fields.
These efforts have contributed to addressing shortages of specialists in several countries, particularly in areas such as oncology, fertility care, and intensive care, where access was previously limited.
Beyond healthcare, the foundation has also prioritised women’s empowerment and girls’ education.
Through the “More Than a Mother” campaign, it has worked to break infertility stigma and improve reproductive health awareness, while the “Educating Linda” programme has supported over 1,200 schoolgirls with scholarships and essential learning resources.
Nearly half of the scholarships awarded under the foundation’s programmes have gone to female healthcare professionals, underscoring its focus on increasing women’s participation in the sector.
In addition, initiatives such as the Merck Africa Research Summit Awards have been introduced to support scientific research and recognise emerging African researchers, particularly women in STEM fields.
Dr. Kelej has also used media and the arts as platforms for advocacy, producing television programmes, songs, books, and films aimed at raising awareness about social and health issues, including gender-based violence, child marriage, and chronic diseases.
Her work has involved collaboration with governments, First Ladies, academic institutions, and civil society organisations across Africa and Asia, helping to expand the reach and impact of these programmes.
The latest recognition underscores her continued influence in advancing healthcare, education, and social change, as well as the growing role of cross-sector partnerships in addressing some of the continent’s most pressing challenges.
