Having A Woman As President Is Very Inspiring - Rasha Kelej Praises Tanzania's President

Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, asserts that it is truly inspiring that H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan has successfully risen to the role of President of Tanzania.

According to her, Tanzania is "lucky to have an influential and powerful woman" as President. 

"To have a woman president is very difficult for even a lot of big countries. So to have this, it's really inspiring for all men and women. You're a role model for all the women in Africa not only in Africa, actually in the whole world...So, thank you very much" she averred.

Dr Rasha was speaking at the 11th Edition of Merck Africa Asia Luminary 2024, held in Tanzania. The Occasion also highlighted the seventh anniversary of the Merck Foundation and the 12th Anniversary of its Development Programs, which started in 2012. The event was attended by First Ladies from 15 African countries including Ghana, the CEO, Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of the Executive Board of E. Merck KG and the Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, the media and other partners of Merck.

Speaking in her opening address, Dr Kelej said: "I really appreciate the partnership, the collaboration, the day-to-day follow-up; you're always present, not only today but every day of the year and that's why we are very blessed".

"I am proud to share with you all that Merck Foundation has provided more than 2080 scholarships to young doctors from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved specialties including Diabetes, Endocrinology, Oncology, Cardiovascular, Fertility Care, Embryology, Sexual & Reproductive Medicine, Internal Medicine, Respiratory Medicine, Acute Medicine, Critical Care, Pediatric Emergency, Gastroenterology, Rheumatology, Clinical Psychiatry, Urology, Ophthalmology, General Surgery, Trauma & Orthopedic, Dermatology, Neonatal Care, Pain Management, Emergency &
Resuscitation, Laparoscopic Surgical Skills, Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, Advanced Surgical Practice, Neuroimaging for Research and more.

Many of our Merck Foundation Alumni are becoming the first specialists in their countries. We continue to make history together in Africa and beyond. Merck Foundation initiated this strategic approach to build and enhance healthcare capacity in 2012, in partnership with African First Ladies together with Ministries of Health and Medical Societies. This has significantly contributed towards reshaping the public healthcare sector in 52 countries in Africa, Asia and beyond" she added.

Merck, NGO of the year

Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of the Executive Board of E. Merck KG and the Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, on his part, commended the First Ladies for being a part of Merck's story.

"Our goal is to Foster the exchange of your experiences and success stories in addressing healthcare challenges, breaking infertility, stigma and supporting girl education, in your respective countries through our Merck foundation, programs. Additionally, we look forward to discussing the strategy of Merck Foundation's future plans...Together we have grown from strengths to strengths over the years. I'm also proud to share with you all that Merck Foundation has been named an NGO of the year 2024; it is a great acknowledgment of our efforts" he added