Dr. Rasha Kelej Named Among '100 Most Impactful Voices 2026' by ABCD Africa

Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, was named among the “100 Most Impactful Voices 2026” by ABCD Africa, a recognition celebrating influential women of African descent. This honor, released on International Women’s Day 2026, follows previous recognitions from New African Magazine and Avance Media.

Key points

• The ABCD Africa list features prominent women leaders and changemakers from 54 African countries, including the President of Tanzania.
• Dr. Kelej has worked for 14 years to build healthcare capacity, improve access to quality healthcare, break infertility stigma, empower women, and support girl education in Africa.
• Merck Foundation has provided over 2500 scholarships for healthcare providers from more than 52 countries in 44 critical medical specialties.
• Dr. Kelej created the “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” campaign and works with over 33 African and Asian First Ladies as Ambassadors.
• Merck Foundation has provided more than 1200 annual scholarships to underprivileged African schoolgirls from 19 countries.

Why it matters

The repeated international accolades underscore Dr. Rasha Kelej's significant leadership in social initiatives focused on healthcare access, women's empowerment, and girls' education across Africa.