Dr. Rasha Kelej - Afrikan Heroes

Merck Foundation Calls for Application for Scholarships for Doctors in Africa

November 3, 2021

The Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany has announced a call for applications for medical training scholarships for healthcare providers in critical and underserved specialties for medical graduates from Africa and developing countries.

This was made known by Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation who noted that, “We strongly believe that building professional healthcare capacity and training healthcare providers is the right strategy to transform patient care in the public sector in Africa and developing countries. I am happy to announce the call for applications for scholarships for young local doctors in many critical underserved medical specialties. Our aim is to provide access to quality and equitable healthcare solutions by building professional capacity. I feel beyond proud that 1200 doctors from 44 countries have already benefited from Merck Foundation scholarships in various critical and underserved fields such as Oncology, Diabetes, Preventative Cardiovascular Medicine, Endocrinology, Sexual and Reproductive Medicine, Acute Medicine, Respiratory Medicine, Embryology & Fertility specialty, Rheumatology, Gastroenterology, Dermatology, Psychiatry, Emergency and Resuscitation Medicine, Critical Care, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Neonatal Medicine, Advanced Surgical Practice, Pain Management, Urology, General Surgery, Clinical Microbiology and infectious diseases, Ophthalmology, Internal Medicine, Trauma & Orthopedics, Neuroimaging for research Biotechnology in ART and more”.

All Merck Foundation scholarships are provided to nationals of African Countries, Developing countries, and underserved communities as per the World Human Development Index list of Developing countries. Refer to the link: https://bit.ly/2Y974Cu

Merck Foundation Scientific Committee and Scientific Committee of Academic Partners will focus on African countries with a special focus on French-speaking and Portuguese speaking and SIDS (Small Islands Developing State), with the aim to build healthcare capacity and transform patient care in the public sector which is under pressure due to its limited resources. Therefore, requests from Ministries of Health (MOH) or Medical Societies are preferable. In case of individual requests, a recommendation letter from MOH or Medical Societies of these countries will be required to indicate your country’s gap in the specific specialty and the objective of improving access to equitable and quality patient care in your community is identified and fulfilled.

Moreover, Merck Foundation Scientific Committee will take into consideration in the selection process the following factors when it is needed: The Human Development Index, Population and number of eligible applications received from each country and number of scholarships that have been already provided to each country in such specialties.

Moreover, Merck Foundation plans to offer English courses to candidates applied from French and Portuguese speaking African countries and also to Latin American countries, to give them an equal opportunity to benefit from the online specialty training which is provided only in English (List of Online courses given above).

In case of in-campus Clinical Training Scholarship provided in India, such as Fertility and Embryology Training and Oncology Fellowship, interpreters will be provided to non-English speaking scholars throughout their training program. Ministries of Health and Medical Societies of African and Developing countries can submit requests to: info@merck-foundation.com.

Merck Foundation may require a financial statement to prove the monthly income – One-month Salary/ Payslip or Salary Statement or 3 months Bank statement, for official purposes.

Kelechi Deca

Kelechi Deca has over two decades of media experience, he has traveled to over 77 countries reporting on multilateral development institutions, international business, trade, travels, culture, and diplomacy. He is also a petrol head with in-depth knowledge of automobiles and the auto industry

Merck Foundation CEO Launches “I CAN – Mentorship Program” Across Africa

July 20, 2021

The CEO of Merck Foundation, Senator Rasha Kelej has launched a new and innovative programme aimed at helping young mentees reach their true potential, fulfill their dreams, inspire others and transform under pressure. Merck Foundation, which is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, announced the beginning of a new mentoring program “I CAN – Mentorship Program” across Africa, Asia and Latin America as part of her personal contribution to empower women and youth in the global south.

The program, which is open to Merck Foundation Alumni, including journalists and healthcare providers, will be an interactive program with Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej where she will lend her 27 years of knowledge and experience to support and guide aspiring individuals to unleash their hidden potential and achieve their professional & personal goals. The aim of the program is to help the mentees reach their potential, fulfill their dreams, inspire others and transform under pressure. The last date of applying for the program is 30th July 2021.

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation expressed, “I am very excited to introduce our mentorship program that will support and guide our Merck Foundation Alumni in their career and personal life too. This past year has been especially challenging for all and has affected our personal growth and development. Through “I CAN – Mentorship Program” I would like to lead the selected Alumni to explore their potential and try to achieve their dreams by overcoming challenges and find solutions and never give up, just to share my experience of doing the same, during my 27-year journey to success”.

This mentorship program will allow the selected mentees to connect with Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej in person to benefit from her experience and knowledge with the aim to achieve their professional & personal goals.

“I look forward to the success of this program which is launched with the aim to encourage and empower our young Alumni in this ever-evolving and competitive environment”, added Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej.

Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej has 27 years of experience in the international biotechnology industry and Sustainable development. She is the first African woman to be CEO of Merck Foundation and has been recognized as One of the 100 Most Influential Africans (2019, 2020) and also the African Woman of the Year 2020. She has been appointed by The President of The Arab Republic of Egypt as Senator at The Egyptian Senate (2020 – 2025) and plays an important role to advise with regards to African Health, Economic and Social Sustainable Development and collaboration opportunities.

Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej will select 20 applicants to be enrolled for this program based on the evaluation of their applications and their needs. This program is a personal contribution from Dr. Rasha Kelej which does not entail a reward or a job opportunity within the organization.

“I look forward to getting to know our Alumni more closely. I am very excited about this incredible opportunity to meet young enthusiastic talents from across three continents”, added Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej.