Merck Foundation

Merck Foundation aims to improve the health and well-being of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Not intended for US & CA audiences.

[Merck Foundation @MerckFoundation]

"I am honored to share with you some glimpses from the official launch of Merck Foundation programs in Kenya. It was a great honor to visit my dear sister, H.E. Mrs. RACHEL RUTO, the First Lady of Kenya, and recognize her for her great efforts as the Ambassador of the 'Merck Foundation More Than a Mother' and to officially launch our long-term partnership to build healthcare capacity, support girls' education and break the infertility stigma in Kenya."

Dr. Rasha Kelej
CEO of Merck Foundation

https://t.co/S6cgdVWyCO

[Merck Foundation @MerckFoundation]

"I welcome you all to watch the testimonial of Dr. Judith Mkwaila, Merck Foundation Cancer Access Program Alumni, (Surgical Oncology Fellowship) from Malawi.

Merck Foundation has provided more than 230 scholarships to train Oncologists from 34countries to build Cancer Care Capacity across Africa.

Merck Foundation Cancer Access Program is part of Merck Foundation’s commitment to improve patient’s access to quality and equitable cancer care in underserved communities.

The lack of financial means is not the only challenge in Africa and developing countries, but a scarcity of trained health care personnel capable to tackle the prevention, early diagnosis and management of cancer at all levels of the health care systems is even a bigger challenge.

Therefore, the program consists of three initiatives to enhance cancer care on all relevant levels:

• Merck Foundation Oncology Fellowship Program: Master Degree, Fellowships and Specialty Training: The Program focus on building Professional Cancer Care Capacity with the aim to increase the limited number of Oncologists in Africa. It provides One, two and three year Fellowship, Diploma and Master degree
programs for African doctors. The clinical training is conducted in India, Egypt and Kenya, in partnership with African Ministries of Health, Local Governments and Academia. Also, scholarships for two-year online PG Diploma in Cancer and Clinical Oncology and one-year online PG Diploma in Medical Oncology from reputed universities in the UK are provided.

We are striving to form Multidisciplinary Oncology Care teams in many countries by providing Hands on Clinical training in multiple sub-specialties such as Medical Oncology, Surgical Oncology, Gyneac Oncology, Pediatric Oncology, Radiation Oncology, Pain & Palliative Care Medicine, Hematology Oncology, Interventional Radiology, Breast Surgery, Head & Neck Oncology, Radiation Technician, Oncology Nursing, Laboratory Technician, Cytoscreening training & Oncology Research.

• Merck Foundation More Than a Patient" empowers women cancer survivors to reclaim their lives by reintegration into society.

• Merck Foundation Community Awareness shares accurate cancer information to help in tackling myths, misconception and stigma through medical camps and digital media."

Dr. Rasha Kelej
CEO of Merck Foundation
One of the most Influential African Women (2019 - 2025)

https://t.co/BENPY7oaYg

[Merck Foundation @MerckFoundation]

What Most People Get Wrong
Influence is not visibility. Visibility helps.

But real influence is built through:

*Trust
*Reliability
*Respect
*Alignment
*Consistency

https://t.co/1JouB5a4yy

Dr. Rasha Kelej
CEO of Merck Foundation
One of the Most Influential Africans (2019 - 2025)

[Merck Foundation @MerckFoundation]

"I am happy to invite you all to attend the 13th Edition of 𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐤 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚 𝐀𝐬𝐢𝐚 𝐋𝐮𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 (𝐎𝐧𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞) .

Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative (MFFLI) Summit
📅 Thursday, 𝟏𝟖𝐭𝐡 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔
🕒 𝟏𝟒:𝟎𝟎 𝐇 -𝟏𝟕:𝟎𝟎 𝐇 𝐆𝐮𝐥𝐟 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 (𝐃𝐮𝐛𝐚𝐢 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞)
📍 Online via Zoom

🔗 Click to Register:

https://t.co/1o4JFMeAA5

Dr. Rasha Kelej
CEO of Merck Foundation

[Merck Foundation @MerckFoundation]

“I welcome you all to hear the success story of Dr. Anne Wairagu, Merck Foundation Alumni, Kenya (One Year PG Diploma in Diabetes & Endocrinology) from the Merck Foundation Nationwide Diabetes Blue Points Program Alumni. I am very proud of this project, launched in 2019, which aims to help improve access to equitable and quality diabetes care in Africa, by providing a one-year Diploma and two-year Master's Degree in Diabetes and Endocrinology from UK University, to doctors from different provinces, counties or districts of respective countries, ensuring geographical coverage of the whole country.

French, Portuguese and Spanish speaking Doctors are provided with a 3-months online “Foundation Course in the Clinical Management of Diabetes” endorsed by Diabetes UK Cymru, in the respective languages.

From 43 countries, 750 Doctors have been provided by one-year Diploma, two-year Master Degree and Master course in Diabetes and Endocrinology and 115 doctors have been provided by one year Diploma and two year Master Degree of Cardiovascular Medicine from UK University. On completion of course, clinicians will be able to set up specialty clinics within public sector nationwide.

Can you imagine how many patients they would be able to help!! Each doctor can help at least 2000 families per month. Merck Foundation touches people's lives every day.

Congratulations to our Merck Foundation Alumni!”

Dr. Rasha Kelej
CEO of Merck Foundation
Most Influential African (2019 - 2025)

https://t.co/Id5irQyKo5

[Merck Foundation @MerckFoundation]

Merck Foundation announces 124 Winners from 32 Countries for their "More Than a Mother" and "Diabetes and Hypertension" Media Awards 2025

Read more At:
https://t.co/nAREAZsFHu

[Merck Foundation @MerckFoundation]

"I am happy to share my speech delivered during our visit to Zimbabwe, where we celebrated the 7th anniversary of our meaningful and impactful partnership with H.E. Amai Dr. AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA, The First Lady of Zimbabwe and Ambassador of Merck Foundation’s “More Than a Mother” initiative.

Over these seven years, our collaboration has been dedicated to building strong healthcare and media capacity, supporting girls’ education, empowering women, and breaking the stigma around infertility across Zimbabwe. Together, we reflected on our remarkable achievements and marked an important milestone of success and impact since 2018.

I am very proud to share that that we have transformed the patientcare landscape of Zimbabwe by providing 166 scholarships for the local doctors in 44 critical and underserved specialties such as Fertility, Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiology, Endocrinology, Respiratory, Acute Medicine, Sexual and Reproductive care, Embryology, Critical care, Psychiatry, and many more. This is a huge milestone and revolution in patient care across Zimbabwe.

Moreover, it was a pleasure to honor the Zimbabwean winners of Merck Foundation Media Awards 2022 – 2024 and discuss with them the critical role they can play to create a culture shift, be the voice of the voiceless and be the Merck Foundation health and social champions.”

Together, we will continue to create a healthier, stronger, and more equitable future for women, girls, and families in Zimbabwe."

Dr. Rasha Kelej
CEO, Merck Foundation
President, Merck Foundation’s “More Than a Mother” Initiatived

[Merck Foundation @MerckFoundation]

The most important decisions are often invisible.

Not announced.
Not celebrated.
But they accumulate to define outcomes.

KELEJ Decision Model™

Read my full article here: https://t.co/qS3z7lFFQ0

Dr. Rasha Kelej
CEO of Merck foundation

[Merck Foundation @MerckFoundation]

"I am happy to invite you all to attend the 13th Edition of 𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐤 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚 𝐀𝐬𝐢𝐚 𝐋𝐮𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 (𝐎𝐧𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞) .

Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative (MFFLI) Summit
📅 Thursday, 𝟏𝟖𝐭𝐡 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔
🕒 𝟏𝟒:𝟎𝟎 𝐇 -𝟏𝟕:𝟎𝟎 𝐇 𝐆𝐮𝐥𝐟 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 (𝐃𝐮𝐛𝐚𝐢 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞)
📍 Online via Zoom

🔗 Click to Register:

https://t.co/1o4JFMf8pD

Dr. Rasha Kelej
CEO of Merck Foundation

[Merck Foundation @MerckFoundation]

"I welcome you all to watch the testimonial of Dr. Vakil Kumar Leelodharry, Merck Foundation More Than a Mother Program Alumni, (Advanced ART & Fertility Specialists) from Mauritius.

Merck Foundation More Than a Mother was launched in 2016. Under this program, Merck Foundation has been providing hands-on practical training to candidates from Africa and Asia, in partnership with the Indonesian Reproductive Science Institute (IRSI), Indonesia; International Institute for Training and Research in Reproductive Health (IIRRH), India; Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), India and Indira IVF Hospitals, India.

Under our ‘More Than a Mother’ campaign, we have provided more than 720 scholarships to young doctors, with the aim to advance women's health by building Reproductive & Sexual care and Fertility Care Capacity in more than 39 countries. Many of the doctors are the first-ever fertility care experts in their countries. We are proud to be making history here.

Can you imagine how many patients they would be able to help!! Each doctor can help at least 2000 families per month. Merck Foundation touches people's lives every day.

Congratulations to our Merck Foundation Alumni!”

Dr. Rasha Kelej
CEO of Merck Foundation
President of 'More Than a Mother' campaign

https://t.co/aiypQH9lQP

[Merck Foundation @MerckFoundation]

"I am honored to share with you the highlights from the official launch of Merck Foundation programs in Ghana.

I am delighted to meet our long-term partner and my dear sister, H.E. Mrs. LORDINA DRAMANI MAHAMA, First Lady of the Republic of Ghana and to honor her outstanding contribution as the Ambassador of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother”. We also formally launched the Merck Foundation programs in the country and underscored our commitment towards building healthcare and media capacity, patient care landscape transformation, breaking infertility stigma and supporting girl education, together in the country.

I am proud to share that we have to date provided 257 scholarships for local Ghanaian healthcare providers in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties, with the aim to establish a strong platform of skilled and specialized healthcare providers across Ghana’s healthcare sector nationwide.

Moreover, through Educating Linda Program, we are also providing annual scholarships for our 40 high-performing yet underprivileged Ghanaian schoolgirls, to help them complete their education. Educating and empowering young girls is one of the most powerful investments we can make towards building stronger families, thriving communities, and a brighter future for our nation.”

Dr. Rasha Kelej
CEO of Merck Foundation
President of "More Than a Mother"

https://t.co/zQ00o00sKL

[Merck Foundation @MerckFoundation]

"I welcome you all to watch the testimonial of Dr. Pouniyam Soobroyen-Coolen, Merck Foundation Capacity Advancement Program Alumni, (One Year Postgraduate Diploma in Pediatric Emergency Medicine) from Mauritius.

Through the "Merck Foundation Capacity Advancement Program" our endeavor is to build healthcare capacity in 22 critical and underserved specialties. As a part of this program, we provide scholarships for One-year Postgraduate Diploma and Two-year Master Degree courses in the following specialties.
• Dermatology in Clinical Practice
• Rheumatology
• Paediatric Emergency Medicine
• Gastroenterology
• Primary Care Ophthalmology
• Internal Medicine
• Orthopedics
• Paediatric & Child Health
• Respiratory Medicine
• Acute Medicine
• Infectious Diseases
• Emergency & Resuscitation Medicine
• Stroke Medicine
• Neurology
• Neurosurgery
• Care of the Older Person
• Hematology
• Acute & Urgent Care
• Renal Medicine

More than 460 scholarships have been provided to doctors from 29 countries across Africa and Asia, as a part of "Merck Foundation Capacity Advancement Program."

Dr. Rasha Kelej
CEO of Merck Foundation
President of "More Than a Mother"

https://t.co/UUEmDIxbwn

[Merck Foundation @MerckFoundation]

"I’m delighted to share special moments from the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative (MFFLI) Committee 2025, held during the 12th Edition of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025, co-chaired by H.E. Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow, First Lady of The Gambia, and myself as CEO of Merck Foundation.

It was an honour to meet our Esteemed First Ladies, Ambassadors of the “More Than a Mother” campaign, as we came together to exchange insights, experiences, and updates on the impactful development programs across their countries. I also shared an overview and feedback highlighting the remarkable progress and outcomes of our joint initiatives.

This year marks 13 years of Merck Foundation’s impactful journey—a milestone that reflects our unwavering commitment to building a healthier and more empowered Africa. The day was filled with unity, grace, and purpose as we strengthened our shared mission to uplift women, girls, and communities across the continent.

Stay tuned for more memorable moments from this inspiring journey!"

Dr. Rasha Kelej
CEO, Merck Foundation
Chairperson, Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary

[Merck Foundation @MerckFoundation]

"I am honored to share with you the summary of the official launch of Merck Foundation programs in Ghana.

I was delighted to meet our long-term partner and my dear sister, H.E. Mrs. LORDINA DRAMANI MAHAMA, the First Lady of the Republic of Ghana, and to honor her outstanding contribution as the Ambassador of 'Merck Foundation More Than a Mother'.

Moreover, through Educating Linda Program, we are also providing annual scholarships for our 40 high-performing yet underprivileged Ghanaian schoolgirls, to help them complete their education."

Dr. Rasha Kelej
CEO of Merck Foundation
President of "More Than a Mother"

https://t.co/iyAsNTxySm

[Merck Foundation @MerckFoundation]

"I welcome you all to watch the testimonial of Dr. Shyamleela Gowreesunker, Merck Foundation More Than a Mother Program Alumni, (Advanced ART & Fertility Specialists) from Mauritius."

Dr. Rasha Kelej
CEO of Merck Foundation

https://t.co/6vZ3pEu8Lc

[Merck Foundation @MerckFoundation]

"It was a great honor to visit H.E. Mrs. LORDINA DRAMANI MAHAMA, Ghana First Lady and Ambassador of 'Merck Foundation More Than a Mother', along with Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, to officially launch our long-term partnership to build healthcare capacity, support girls’ education, and break the infertility stigma in Ghana.

Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp stated, "Strengthening healthcare capacity remains at the heart of our mission. In Ghana, we have provided 257 scholarships for healthcare professionals in 44 critical medical specialties, contributing to a stronger healthcare workforce and improved access to quality patient care across the country."

Dr. Rasha Kelej
CEO of Merck Foundation

[Merck Foundation @MerckFoundation]

"I welcome you all to watch the testimonial of Dr. Tendai Raymond Chikinje, Merck Foundation Diabetes & Hypertension Blue Points Program Alumni, (Two Year Masters Degree in Diabetes) from Zimbabwe."

Dr. Rasha Kelej
CEO of Merck Foundation

https://t.co/1RsDC4FiK9

[Merck Foundation @MerckFoundation]

"It was a great honor to visit my dear sister, H.E. Mrs. LORDINA DRAMANI MAHAMA, Ghana First Lady and Ambassador of 'Merck Foundation More Than a Mother', to officially launch our long-term partnership to build healthcare capacity, support girls’ education, and break the infertility stigma in Ghana.

In her speech, she mentioned, "Our partnership has enabled us to provide 257 scholarships for our healthcare providers nationwide, reaching not only the capital city but communities across the country. This is a huge achievement for us. Moreover, through Educating Linda Program, we are also providing annual scholarships for our 40 high-performing yet underprivileged Ghanaian schoolgirls, to help them complete their education."

Dr. Rasha Kelej
CEO of Merck Foundation
President of “More Than a Mother

[Merck Foundation @MerckFoundation]

"I am happy to share my speech from the Merck Foundation Kenya Alumni Summit 2026, which was conducted in partnership with H.E. Mrs. RACHEL RUTO E.G.H., the First Lady of the Republic of Kenya and Ambassador of 'Merck Foundation More Than a Mother' to highlight the impact of their scholarships program with the aim to build healthcare capacity and transform the patient care landscape across Kenya nationwide."

Dr. Rasha Kelej
CEO of Merck Foundation

https://t.co/XUkjtNO4FS

[Merck Foundation @MerckFoundation]

"I am proud to share that we have provided 257 scholarships for local Ghanaian healthcare providers in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties, with the aim to establish a strong platform of skilled and specialized healthcare providers across Ghana's healthcare sector nationwide."

Dr. Rasha Kelej
CEO of Merck Foundation

[Merck Foundation @MerckFoundation]

"I welcome you all to watch the testimonial of Dr. Sebastian Yidana Ninimiya, Merck Foundation More Than a Mother Program Alumni, (Assisted Reproduction and Embryology) from Ghana."

Dr. Rasha Kelej
CEO of Merck Foundation

https://t.co/gYZ05ProMO