Online Reporter
Phillipa Mukome-Chinhoi
Researcher/Writer, Knowledge Centre
The New African Magazine (UK) has recognised Senator Dr Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of the “More Than a Mother” campaign, as one of the 100 Most Influential Africans for 2025. She shares this honour with prominent leaders, including the President of Ghana John Mahama.
This marks the seventh consecutive year that Dr Kelej has appeared on the prestigious list, which highlights leaders, innovators, and change-makers across public office, business, technology, creative industries, and social impact who are shaping Africa’s future.
Speaking on the accolade during an interview with the Herald, Dr Kelej said, “I am deeply honoured to be recognised as one of the 100 Most Influential Africans by New African (UK), and to be named alongside the esteemed leaders of our continent. This recognition acknowledges my continued efforts to build healthcare capacity, empower women living with infertility, and support girls’ education through Merck Foundation programmes. It motivates me and my team to strengthen our commitment to creating lasting, equitable impact across Africa for generations to come.”
Under Dr Kelej’s leadership, Merck Foundation has launched several landmark programmes, such as the Scholarship Programme for Healthcare Providers, with over 2,500 scholarships awarded to doctors from 52 countries, including Zimbabwe, across 44 underserved medical specialities. Many alumni have become the first specialists in their fields in their home countries.
The “More Than a Mother” campaign, established in 2015, aims to break the stigma surrounding infertility, expand reproductive and fertility care, raise awareness on prevention, and support girls’ education.
It also includes the “Educating Linda” programme, which has provided more than 1,200 scholarships to underprivileged schoolgirls from 19 African countries, including Zimbabwe, enabling them to complete their education. Additionally, there is the “Empowering Berna” initiative, which supports childless women in starting small businesses and leading fulfilling lives with dignity.
Dr Kelej has collaborated with over 33 African and Asian First Ladies, who serve as Ambassadors of the Merck Foundation’s “More Than a Mother” campaign. The foundation also works closely with ministries of health, education, gender, academia, policymakers, and international fertility societies across 52 countries.
Beyond healthcare, Dr Kelej has pioneered cultural initiatives to shift mindsets and amplify awareness. These include Pan-African TV programmes, health media training, and annual awards for journalists, musicians, fashion designers, and filmmakers promoting social change. Additionally, she has produced children’s storybooks and animated films addressing stigma and health education.
Her outreach extends to more than 8.5 million social media followers, where she shares empowering content and mobilises communities around issues such as infertility stigma, girls’ education, child marriage, gender-based violence, and female genital mutilation.
Dr Kelej’s recognition by New African Magazine underscores her role as a trailblazer in healthcare transformation and women’s empowerment. Through her vision and dedication, she continues to reshape Africa’s social and health landscape, leaving behind a legacy of hope, equity, and progress.
