The UK-based New African Magazine has recognized the Chief Executive Officer of Merck Foundation, Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, as among of the 100 Most Influential Africans 2025, honoring her outstanding contribution to transforming healthcare and empowering women and girls across the continent.

According to the nomination, Dr. Kelej shares this prestigious recognition with African Heads of State, including the President of Angola, João Lourenço, the President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, and the President of Ghana, John Mahama. This marks the seventh consecutive year Dr. Kelej has been featured on the influential list.

The annual 100 Most Influential Africans special edition celebrates leaders, innovators, and change-makers shaping Africa’s present and future across public service, business, technology, health, and social transformation.

Reacting to the recognition, Yesterday Dr. Kelej said to be deeply honored for the nomination alongside Africa’s esteemed leaders, noting that the accolade reflects Merck Foundation’s long-term commitment to building healthcare capacity, breaking infertility stigma, empowering women, and supporting girl education.

Under her leadership, Merck Foundation has implemented far-reaching programs, including the Healthcare Providers Scholarship Program, which has so far provided 2,500 scholarships to medical professionals from 52 countries across 44 critical and underserved medical specialties. Many beneficiaries have become the first specialists in their countries, significantly improving access to quality and equitable healthcare.

Dr. Kelej is also the founder of the 'More Than a Mother' movement, launched in 2015 to address infertility stigma, expand access to fertility and reproductive healthcare, promote male infertility awareness, and support girls’ education. Through this initiative, Merck Foundation has partnered with over 33 African and Asian First Ladies and worked in 42 countries to transform public health and social mindsets.

Additionally, the Foundation has supported more than 1,200 underprivileged schoolgirls from 19 African countries with annual education scholarships, while empowering childless women economically through the 'Empowering Berna'program.

Celebrated as a visionary and trailblazer, Dr. Rasha Kelej continues to unite healthcare, media, arts, and policy sectors to amplify the voices of marginalized women, inspiring millions across Africa and beyond with a legacy of empowerment, equity, and sustainable development.