Merck Foundation Leverages African Creative Talent for Social Change

Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of the foundation, launched the program in 2020 to transform creative professionals into active advocates for sensitive topics, including infertility stigma, female genital mutilation, and gender-based violence. The organization’s flagship effort, the pan-African television show 'Our Africa by Merck Foundation,' serves as a primary vehicle for these discussions, featuring collaborations between health experts and creative figures to reach diverse audiences via broadcast and digital channels.

Since its inception, the foundation has recognized 175 winners through its annual awards program, which partners with African First Ladies to honor contributions from journalists, designers, and young talent. This growing network now includes 102 fashion designers, 53 musicians, and 20 filmmakers. Beyond awards, the foundation has produced over 30 awareness songs and nine children's storybooks in multiple languages to embed health education into local communities. By distributing content in English, French, Portuguese, Spanish, and Swahili, the program aims to foster long-term social transformation by targeting both youth and adult populations.