Mumbai, October 24: Merck Foundation, the philanthropic branch of Merck KGaA Germany, has been honored with the “NGO of the Year 2024” award for being the Most Influential NGO Shaping Africa’s Future and Leading Community Empowerment, as recognized by Avance Media, a prominent rating and voting organization in Africa. Upon receiving this recognition, Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and named one of the 100 Most Influential Africans for five consecutive years (2019-2023), expressed her excitement: “I am delighted to announce that Merck Foundation has been voted ‘NGO OF THE YEAR 2024’ from a shortlist of 10 NGOs committed to community empowerment in Africa. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported us; your trust in Merck Foundation’s vital role in transforming African communities made this possible.”
This award reflects the collective efforts to shape Africa’s future through critical sectors like health, education, and economic empowerment. “This recognition motivates my team and me to further our mission of transforming patient care, fostering cultural change, promoting girls’ education, empowering women, and combating the stigma surrounding infertility in Africa and beyond. We are dedicated to enhancing lives across the continent,” Dr. Kelej added.
Merck Foundation was initially named one of the 10 Most Influential NGOs Shaping Africa’s Future, alongside other notable organizations like Save the Children and Doctors Without Borders. Subsequently, it was voted “NGO of the Year 2024” by the public. Since 2012, in collaboration with African First Ladies and partners such as Ministries of Health, Gender, Education, and Communication, Merck Foundation has been working to improve patient care in Africa and address various social and health challenges, including the stigma surrounding infertility, promoting girls’ education, ending child marriage, preventing gender-based violence, and raising awareness about diabetes and hypertension.
Dr. Kelej noted, “We have awarded over 2,080 scholarships to young doctors from 52 countries in 44 underserved medical specialties. Many of our alumni are becoming the first specialists in their countries, making a historical impact together.” The scholarships include one- to three-year fellowships, diplomas, and master’s courses in specialties such as Oncology, Diabetes, Cardiology, and more.
Through its “More Than a Mother” campaign, Merck Foundation empowers infertile and childless women by providing access to information and education, promoting a shift in societal perceptions. “We have awarded over 650 scholarships in Embryology, Fertility, and Reproductive care to young doctors from 39 countries. Additionally, we support childless women in starting their own small businesses, ensuring every woman receives the respect and support she deserves,” Dr. Kelej explained.
Moreover, the foundation believes education is vital for women’s empowerment. Through its “Educating Linda” initiative, it has provided over 700 scholarships to underprivileged young African girls to cover their school fees, along with school supplies in several countries.
