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WHO Regional Office for Africa
Source: WHO Regional Office for Africa |

Newly released 2025 scorecard unveils progress and setbacks on health and gender equality across Southern Africa

First developed in 2019, the scorecard serves as a social accountability tool and uses a "traffic light" system to track 20 indicators

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has launched its biennial scorecard, a critical tool that tracks progress on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) across its 16 Member States. New data, including from demographic health surveys, shows great strides in improving the sexual and reproductive health of people across the…

WHO Regional Office for Africa
Source: WHO Regional Office for Africa |

World Health Organization (WHO) convenes global experts in Brazzaville to strengthen clinical care for filovirus diseases

The continent bears the heaviest burden of FVD outbreaks, with increasing frequency in recent years

As outbreaks of Filovirus Disease (FVD) continue to regularly affect countries across Africa and in efforts to increase preparedness capacities, the World Health Organization (WHO) with support from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has convened 50 clinicians, researchers and public health specialists globally and partners for a five-day Filovirus Disease Optimized Supportive Care…

African Union (AU)
Source: African Union (AU) |

Chairperson of the African Union Commission strongly condemns the terrorist attacks in Zamfara State, Northwestern Nigeria

The Chairperson expresses the African Union’s full solidarity with the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and conveys heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, while wishing a swift recovery to those injured

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, strongly condemns the heinous and coordinated terrorist attacks perpetrated on 21 February 2026 in Zamfara State, Northwestern Nigeria, which resulted in the killing of more than 50 civilians and the abduction of women and children. The African Union unequivocally…

Merck Foundation

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    • Merck Foundation CEO with The First Lady of Liberia at 12th Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025 (1)
    • Merck Foundation CEO with The First Ladies of Africa at 12th Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025
    • Merck Foundation CEO with The First Ladies of Liberia, Sao Tome, and Sengal L-R during the 12th Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary
    • Merck Foundation CEO with The First Lady of Burundi and Liberia L-R at 12th Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025
    • Merck Foundation CEO with The First Lady of Liberia at 12th Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025 (2)
    • Merck Foundation CEO with The First Lady of Liberia at 12th Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025 (3)
    • Merck Foundation CEO with Vice President of The Gambia, First Lady of Liberia during 12th Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary
    • Merck Foundation Chairman and CEO with the First Ladies of Africa during the 12th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025 (1)
    • Merck Foundation Chairman and CEO with the First Ladies of Africa during the 12th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025 (2)
    • Merck Foundation Chairman and CEO with the First Ladies of Africa during the 12th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025 (3)
    • Merck Foundation Chairman and CEO with the First Ladies of Africa during the 12th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025 (4)
    • Merck Foundation Chairman and CEO with the First Ladies of Africa during the 12th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025 (5)
    • Merck Foundation Chairman and CEO with the First Ladies of Africa during the 12th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025 (6)
    • Merck Foundation Chairman and CEO with The First Lady of Liberia and The Gambia at 12th Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025 L-R
    • Merck Foundation Chairman CEO with Vice President of Gambia, First Ladies of Africa during 12th Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025
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Source: Merck Foundation |

Merck Foundation Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Discussed with Liberia First Lady the Impact of Their Programs – Train Healthcare Providers, Support Infertile Women & Girl Education at 12th Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025 in the Gambia

Merck Foundation in partnership with The Liberia First Lady has also initiated “Educating Linda” Program, as a part of which annual scholarships are provided to 40 underprivileged but brilliant girls to continue their education, till they graduate

Merck Foundation (https://Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, conducted the 12th Edition of their annual conference, “Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary”, in partnership with the Government of The Gambia. The conference was co-chaired by H.E. Mrs. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW, First Lady of Gambia & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More…

Merck Foundation

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    • Dr. Rasha Kelej meets Senegal First Lady at the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025 (1)
    • Dr. Rasha Kelej meets Senegal First Lady at the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025 (2)
    • Dr. Rasha Kelej meets Senegal First Lady at the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025 (3)
    • Dr. Rasha Kelej meets Senegal First Lady at the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025 (4)
    • Dr. Rasha Kelej meets Senegal First Lady at the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025 (5)
    • Dr. Rasha Kelej meets Senegal First Lady at the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025 (6)
    • Dr. Rasha Kelej meets Senegal First Lady at the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025 (7)
    • Dr. Rasha Kelej meets Senegal First Lady at the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025 (8)
    • Dr. Rasha Kelej meets Senegal First Lady at the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025 (9)
    • Dr. Rasha Kelej meets Senegal First Lady at the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025 (10)
    • Dr. Rasha Kelej meets Senegal First Lady at the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025 (11)
    • Dr. Rasha Kelej meets Senegal First Lady at the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025 (12)
    • Dr. Rasha Kelej meets Senegal First Lady at the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025 (13)
    • Dr. Rasha Kelej meets Senegal First Lady at the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025 (14)
    • Dr. Rasha Kelej meets Senegal First Lady at the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025 (15)
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Source: Merck Foundation |

Merck Foundation Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Rasha Kelej underscore their commitment to partner with Senegal First Lady to support girl education and build healthcare and media capacity

Together with Senegal First Lady, Merck Foundation has provided 29 scholarships for local doctors in Senegal in many critical and underserved specialties

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, conducted the 12th Edition of their annual conference, “Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary”, in partnership with the Government of The Gambia. The conference was co-chaired by H.E. Mrs. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW, First Lady of Gambia & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More…

African Union (AU)
Source: African Union (AU) |

African Union Renews Commitment to Finance Gender Equality at High-Level Breakfast Meeting

The meeting reaffirmed that Africa’s path to achieving Agenda 2063 is closely tied to unlocking the economic potential of its women and youth

The Women, Gender and Youth Directorate of the African Union Commission, in collaboration with the Republic of Ghana, convened a High-Level Breakfast Meeting on the margins of the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union in Addis Ababa. Organised by H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic…

Ministry of Information, Eritrea
Source: Ministry of Information, Eritrea |

Seminars for Members of the National Union of Eritrean Women

The seminars focused on the role and contribution of Eritrean women during the armed struggle for independence, safeguarding national sovereignty, and participation in national affairs

Ms. Tekea Tesfamicael, President of the National Union of Eritrean Women, conducted seminars for members of the Union in the sub-zones of Keren, Asmat, Halhal, and Habero from 7 to 11 February. The seminars focused on the role and contribution of Eritrean women during the armed struggle for independence, safeguarding…

Merck Foundation

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    • Dr. Rasha Kelej, Merck Foundation with H.E. Madam BRIGITTE TOUADERA, First Lady of Central Africa & H.E. Mrs FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW, First Lady of Gambia
    • Merck Foundation CEO with The First Lady of Gambia and The First Lady of Central Africa R-L during the 12th Edition of our Luminary in The Gambia (1)
    • Merck Foundation CEO with The First Lady of Gambia and The First Lady of Central Africa R-L during the 12th Edition of our Luminary in The Gambia (2)
    • Merck Foundation CEO with The First Lady of Gambia and The First Lady of Central Africa during the 12th Edition of our Luminary in The Gambia
    • Merck Foundation CEO with The First Lady of Gambia and The First Lady of Central Africa R-L during the 12th Edition of our Luminary in The Gambia (3)
    • Merck Foundation CEO, Dr Rasha Kelej with The First Lady of Central Africa, H.E. Madam BRIGITTE TOUADERA during the 12th Edition of our Luminary in The Gambia (1)
    • Merck Foundation CEO, Dr Rasha Kelej with The First Lady of Central Africa, H.E. Madam BRIGITTE TOUADERA during the 12th Edition of our Luminary in The Gambia (2)
    • Merck Foundation CEO with The First Lady of Gambia and The First Lady of Central Africa R-L during the 12th Edition of our Luminary in The Gambia (4)
    • Merck Foundation CEO with The First Lady of Gambia and The First Lady of Central Africa R-L during the 12th Edition of our Luminary in The Gambia (5)
    • Merck Foundation CEO with The First Lady of Gambia and The First Lady of Central Africa R-L during the 12th Edition of our Luminary in The Gambia (6)
    • Merck Foundation CEO with The First Lady of Gambia and The First Lady of Central Africa R-L during the 12th Edition of our Luminary in The Gambia (7)
    • Merck Foundation Chairman with The First Lady of Central Africa H.E. Madam BRIGITTE TOUADERA during the 12th Edition of our Luminary in The Gambia
    • Merck Foundation CEO with The First Lady of Gambia and The First Lady of Central Africa R-L during the 12th Edition of our Luminary in The Gambia (8)
    • Merck Foundation CEO with The First Lady of Gambia and The First Lady of Central Africa R-L during the 12th Edition of our Luminary in The Gambia (9)
    • Merck Foundation CEO with The First Lady of Gambia and The First Lady of Central Africa L-R during the 12th Edition of our Luminary in The Gambia
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Source: Merck Foundation |

Dr. Rasha Kelej meets Central Africa First Lady & 6 First Ladies of Africa at 12th Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary

Merck Foundation together with the office of The First Lady of Central Africa, has also conducted 5 editions of their Online Health Media Training to encourage media to be the voice of the voiceless and raise awareness

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, conducted the 12th Edition of their annual conference, “Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary”, in partnership with the Government of The Gambia. The conference was co-chaired by H.E. Mrs. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW, First Lady of Gambia & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More…

Merck Foundation

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  • Images (11)
    • International Day of Girls and Women in Science 2026 (1)
    • International Day of Girls and Women in Science 2026 (2)
    • International Day of Girls and Women in Science 2026 (3)
    • Merck Foundation CEO with designs on Supporting Girl education (1)
    • Merck Foundation CEO with designs on Supporting Girl education (2)
    • Senator Dr Rasha Kelej displaying her designs to Support Girls Education
    • Senator Dr Rasha Kelej during the Second Episode of OUR AFRICA by Merck Foundation TV program (1)
    • Senator Dr Rasha Kelej during the Second Episode of OUR AFRICA by Merck Foundation TV program (2)
    • Senator Dr Rasha Kelej during the Second Episode of OUR AFRICA by Merck Foundation TV program (3)
    • Senator Dr Rasha Kelej with African schoolgirl (1)
    • Senator Dr Rasha Kelej with African schoolgirl (2)
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Source: Merck Foundation |

Merck Foundation provided 1195 scholarships to women healthcare providers to empower women in science - International Day of Girls & Women in Science 2026

Merck Foundation has provided more than 2,500 scholarships to healthcare professionals from 52 countries across 44 critical and underserved medical specialties, and nearly 1,200 scholarships have been provided to women medical graduates

Merck Foundation and African first Ladies mark International Day of Girls & Women in Science 2026 by empowering women in STEM and supporting girl education Dr. Rasha Kelej, Merck Foundation CEO together with The First Ladies of Africa mark ‘International Day of Girls & Women in Science 2026’ through their…

for Africa

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    • Dr Rasha Kelej named as One of the 100 Most Influential African Women 2025 (1)
    • Dr. Rasha Kelej, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Merck Foundation: After Being Recognized as One of the 100 Most Influential Africans by New African Magazine, Named Among the 100 Most Influential African Women alongside Tanzania and Namibia Presidents, by Avance Media for the 7th Consecutive Year
    • Dr Rasha Kelej (1)
    • Dr Rasha Kelej (2)
    • Dr Rasha Kelej (3)
    • Dr Rasha Kelej (4)
    • Dr Rasha Kelej (5)
    • Dr Rasha Kelej (6)
    • Dr Rasha Kelej (7)
    • Dr Rasha Kelej (8)
    • Dr Rasha Kelej named as One of the 100 Most Influential African Women 2025 (2)
    • Dr Rasha Kelej named as One of the 100 Most Influential African Women 2025 (3)
    • Dr Rasha Kelej named as One of the 100 Most Influential African Women 2025 (4)
    • Dr Rasha Kelej named as One of the 100 Most Influential African Women 2025 (5)
    • Dr Rasha Kelej with Merck Foundation Alumni
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Source: for Africa |

Dr. Rasha Kelej, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Merck Foundation: After Being Recognized as One of the 100 Most Influential Africans by New African Magazine, Named Among the 100 Most Influential African Women alongside Tanzania and Namibia Presidents, by Avance Media for the 7th Consecutive Year

The annual list celebrates African women whose leadership, influence, and accomplishments continue to shape decision-making at the highest levels locally and internationally

Following her recent recognition as one of the 100 Most Influential Africans 2025 by New African Magazine (UK), Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of the “More Than a Mother” Campaign, has now been named among the 100 Most Influential African Women 2025 by Avance Media, for the…