logo
Vogue India Spotlights Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej's Trailblazing Work Across Africa and beyond

Vogue India Spotlights Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej's Trailblazing Work Across Africa and beyond

Zawya18 hours ago
Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), has been featured by a leading lifestyle media organization, Vogue India (http://apo-opa.co/45tQQm5). The article, titled "Leading with Courage and Conviction: Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej on empowering women, advancing healthcare, and transforming media in Africa," highlights the unique approach she adapted by engaging the art, fashion, and media communities to address critical social issues such as Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Ending Gender-Based Violence (GBV)&Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), Child marriage and also health issues like Diabetes&Hypertension Awareness.
On being featured by Vogue India, Dr Kelej shared, 'I have been a long-time Vogue reader, and I am truly delighted to be featured by Vogue India for my creative approach to driving social change. Africa is a continent full of vibrant culture, colour, and creativity, and I've always believed that fashion, art, and media can be powerful instruments to inspire positive change—beyond just entertainment.
This belief led me to develop innovative initiatives such as Our Africa TV program, Songs, Children's storybooks, Animation Films, and Awards for the best Media, Song, Film and Fashion Designs. These initiatives are aimed at raising awareness about critical and sensitive social and health issues, in a relatable and impactful way.
I'm proud that this work is being recognized and shared as a meaningful case study with Vogue readers around the world.'
Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej has been recognized as One of 100 Most Influential Africans for six consecutive years from 2019 till 2024. Under her leadership, Merck Foundation has been recognized as the NGO of the Year in 2022&2024, the Most Influential NGO Shaping Africa's Future and also received the 'Best Health Sector Philanthropy' Award 2023.
The Vogue article also highlights Dr. Rasha Kelej's efforts to establish impactful partnership between Merck Foundation and over 28 African First Ladies, showcasing their collective efforts to transform healthcare across Africa and beyond. Merck Foundation has provided over 2,250 scholarships for young doctors from 52 countries in more than 44 critical and underserved medical specialties. The feature also sheds light on the Educating Linda program, which is supporting the education through providing 800 scholarships for high performance and underprivileged African schoolgirls, empowering them to complete their studies and reach their full potential.
Click here to read the full Vogue India article, which offers deeper insights into Dr. Rasha Kelej's impactful initiatives and the far-reaching work of Merck Foundation across Africa and beyond:
https://apo-opa.co/45tQQm5
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.
Contact:
Mehak Handa
Community Awareness Program Manager
Phone: +91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669
Email: mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com
Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard!
Facebook: http://apo-opa.co/4oBYeok
X: http://apo-opa.co/3UXtmku
YouTube: http://apo-opa.co/45AcPb9
Instagram: http://apo-opa.co/3UsS7ot
Threads: http://apo-opa.co/4oGHSuO
Flickr: http://apo-opa.co/3UNLAoJ
Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
Download Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/3Jec3sL
About Merck Foundation:
The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality&equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare&scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website. Please visit www.Merck-Foundation.com to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook (http://apo-opa.co/4oBYeok), X (http://apo-opa.co/3UXtmku), Instagram (http://apo-opa.co/3UsS7ot), YouTube (http://apo-opa.co/45AcPb9), Threads (http://apo-opa.co/4oGHSuO) and Flickr (http://apo-opa.co/3UNLAoJ).
The Merck Foundation is dedicated to improving social and health outcomes for communities in need. While it collaborates with various partners, including governments to achieve its humanitarian goals, the foundation remains strictly neutral in political matters. It does not engage in or support any political activities, elections, or regimes, focusing solely on its mission to elevate humanity and enhance well-being while maintaining a strict non-political stance in all of its endeavors.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Apex Health receives investment license to develop 400-bed Baghdad International Hospital in Iraq
Apex Health receives investment license to develop 400-bed Baghdad International Hospital in Iraq

Zawya

time20 minutes ago

  • Zawya

Apex Health receives investment license to develop 400-bed Baghdad International Hospital in Iraq

Doha, Qatar: Apex Health, a subsidiary of Estithmar Holding Q.P.S.C and a leading healthcare provider in the Middle East and North Africa, announces that it has obtained an Investment License from the National Investment Commission under the Presidency of the Council of Ministers Iraq to develop a comprehensive private hospital with 400 beds in the Al-Zaafaraniyah district (formerly Al-Rashid Camp) of Baghdad, the Iraqi capital. The project will be named Baghdad International Hospital, marking a step-change in the level of healthcare in Iraq. The announcement comes as part of Apex Health's strategic expansion as well as growing commitment to the Iraqi healthcare sector, following its successful partnership with the Iraqi Government to manage and operate Al Nasiriya Teaching Hospital in Di Qar and Al Imam Al Hassan Mujtaba Teaching Hospital in Karbala. These collaborations have demonstrated Apex Health's ability to deliver advanced healthcare services, enhance patient outcomes, and apply the highest standards of operational excellence in public healthcare institutions. 'The establishment of Baghdad International Hospital reflects the company's strong belief in the potential of the Iraqi market and its desire to contribute to the development of the healthcare sector in Iraq.' said Joseph Hazel, Group CEO, Apex Health. 'This project is not merely an investment expansion; it is a strategic step to support the healthcare transformation in Iraq by providing advanced medical services and specialized expertise. It is also a new milestone in our growth journey toward realizing our vision of building a better health future founded on trusted care, modern technologies, and global partnerships.' The new Baghdad International Hospital will be developed as one of Iraq's foremost modern medical facilities on a 100,000-square-meter site in the Al-Zaafaraniyah district (formerly Al-Rashid Camp). It will be designed to capitalize on its riverside outlook over the Tigris, with the location and architecture enhancing the patient care experience. It will feature 400 beds, 16 ICU beds, 12 operating rooms, and 80 outpatient clinics, including an Emergency Department. The facility will be capable of accommodating more than 600,000 outpatient visits annually, in addition to over 100,000 inpatient admissions per year. It will be equipped with the latest technologies and will offer a full continuum of inpatient and outpatient services across all medical specialties. The hospital will also include departments for complex surgeries—including open-heart surgery, orthopedic oncology, plastic surgery, and neurosurgery—as well as a dedicated pediatric surgery unit. In addition, it will provide transplant programs (liver, bone marrow, and stem cell), along with dialysis and neonatal care. Commenting on the announcement, Mr. Juan Leon, Estithmar Holding Q.P.S.C CEO said:' This step reflects Estithmar Holding's proven international growth strategy which was validated by our recent strong financial results and is designed to deliver greater value to our shareholders' The new Baghdad International Hospital will feature advanced medical technologies, specialized centers, and international standard patient care services. Designed as a tertiary facility, it will cater to complex medical and surgical needs while providing a comprehensive range of inpatient and outpatient services. Apex Health brings an extensive portfolio of experience in managing and operating hospitals across the MENA region. Its network currently spans nine hospitals across four countries, delivering care in partnership with world-renowned institutions such as Cedars-Sinai (USA), Asan Medical Center (Korea), and JK Medical Group (Korea). Apex Health's track record includes the successful launch and operation of flagship facilities such as The View Hospital in Qatar and the Korean Medical Center, both recognized for their excellence in patient experience, advanced clinical programs, and innovation. This new investment in Iraq underscores Apex Health's mission to deliver trusted, high-quality healthcare across the MENA region by engaging leading medical expertise, advancing technology-driven facilities, and fostering partnerships with governments and academic institutions, building an ethical and resilient ecosystem that empowers individuals and communities to prosper. Apex Health, a subsidiary of Estithmar Holding Q.P.S.C., is a leading operator and manager of a diverse network of hospitals, clinics, and specialized health centers across the Middle East and North Africa. Guided by a strategy focused on delivering trusted, high-quality care, forging effective partnerships with governments and academic institutions, and developing medical facilities that leverage the latest technologies, Apex Health is committed to elevating the patient experience and enhancing the efficiency of healthcare systems across the region. © Dar Al Sharq Press, Printing and Distribution. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (

The world pledged solidarity with Afghan women. Where is the world now?
The world pledged solidarity with Afghan women. Where is the world now?

The National

time2 hours ago

  • The National

The world pledged solidarity with Afghan women. Where is the world now?

The world vowed to stand with Afghan women after the Taliban captured Kabul four years ago on Friday. Today, they are among the worst affected by an overlapping series of crises, aid workers warn. Widespread food insecurity, shrinking aid supplies, climate disasters and the mass forced return of refugees are deepening Afghanistan 's humanitarian emergency. But it is women and children who are paying the highest price as aid agencies struggle to meet the needs of an impoverished population amid global funding cuts. Last October, nutrition experts warned that 2025 could see the highest surge in acute malnutrition ever recorded in Afghanistan, with pregnant women and children under five most at risk. 'That dramatic prediction has been surpassed,' John Aylieff, the World Food Programme's director for Afghanistan, told The National. 'More and more children are being rushed to our health clinics due to malnutrition. We cannot afford to treat or feed them all. 'Mothers are walking for hours to reach us, only to be turned down. It's heartbreaking for the women and the staff, but our hands are tied.' Nearly 15 million Afghans require emergency food assistance, according to the WFP, yet the agency can only support six million people each month. I'm imploring the world to come to the rescue of Afghans. There is no better time than now John Aylieff, World Food Programme director for Afghanistan 'That seems like a luxury now,' said Mr Aylieff. 'By October, we will run out of funding entirely.' The US had been Afghanistan's largest humanitarian donor throughout its two-decade war with the Taliban. Even after the 2021 withdrawal of US troops, which resulted in the Taliban's return to power, Washington kept a lifeline going for Afghans, providing more than 40 per cent of aid including food assistance and health services. That lifeline was cut off when President Donald Trump returned to the White House in January, swiftly pausing foreign assistance programmes. Other donor governments – including Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK – also announced cuts to their global aid budgets this year. The result was a significant decline in assistance to the world's most vulnerable, according to the Norwegian Refugee Council, which had to close some of its offices and lay off staff in Afghanistan. The cuts are a concern because Afghanistan has long relied on foreign assistance, said Samira Rahman, advocacy director of Save the Children in Afghanistan. 'It was foreign aid that helped prevent famine in Afghanistan once, but we're concerned with what the future will look like,' she told The National. Mass return The forced mass return of Afghans from neighbouring countries is further exacerbating the crisis, with families returning to dire conditions. More than four million Afghans have been deported or pressured to leave Iran and Pakistan since September 2023, according to the UN's International Organisation for Migration. This year alone, nearly two million people have crossed the border. 'It's a crisis within a crisis,' said Ms Rahman. 'Families are suddenly uprooted from their lives, sometimes arriving with only the clothes they're wearing and returning to a community under huge strain.' The scale and speed of those returns, especially from Iran, has made it 'near impossible' for aid organisations and local authorities to respond adequately, she added. One child returns to Afghanistan every 30 seconds, according to data from Save the Children, and they are among the most vulnerable groups, relying heavily on dwindling aid. 'Local communities have to share what little they have,' Ms Rahman told The National. About 3.5 million children in Afghanistan are already suffering from acute malnutrition, and 90 per cent of those under two are living in child food poverty, lacking access to a nutritious and diverse diet, according to Unicef. More than 800,000 Afghan children have returned in recent months, many with no family, home or connection to their community. Ms Rahman said urgent international funding is needed to provide them with psychosocial support and essential services. Families are suddenly uprooted from their lives, sometimes arriving with only the clothes they're wearing Samira Rahman, advocacy director at Save the Children in Afghanistan 'We need to ensure their returns are voluntary, safe and dignified, and we need long term support to reintegrate Afghan returnees so children can rebuild their lives,' she said. Limited aid The limited aid available in Afghanistan is often rationed to reach the country's most vulnerable. For the WFP, that means widows with children and other households headed by women. With no job prospects and no means to make a living under Taliban rule, these women are ' desperate for help ', said Mr Aylieff. Since returning to power, the Taliban has imposed severe restrictions on Afghan women. Young women and girls are banned from attending universities and secondary schools, taking public or private sector jobs, and may travel only with a male guardian. Other restrictions prohibit women from speaking loudly or singing, reciting or reading aloud in public. While the group had promised a new approach to women's rights when it seized back power in 2021, 'the reality is very different', Sahar Fetrat, a women's rights researcher at Human Rights Watch, previously told The National. A hotline set up by the WFP in Afghanistan has seen a surge in calls from women 'threatening to die by suicide if they don't receive support', Mr Aylieff said. 'WFP was the only lifeline for many, and now they are left stranded,' he added. A devastating drought in Afghanistan, described as one of the worst in decades, has further weakened the country's agriculture-reliant economy. But even amid better climate and economic conditions, Afghan women are among those still at a disadvantage. 'There's a group of people whose situation does not improve with better harvest, as they are not farmers and not in the job market,' Mr Aylieff said. These include women who head households, elderly people and people with disabilities due to the war. They cannot cope without food assistance, he added. 'Afghan women to whom the world pledged solidarity four years ago are now watching their kids succumb to hunger in their arms,' Mr Aylieff said. 'I'm imploring the world to come to the rescue of Afghans. At this point, it's about restoring humanity and protecting the extremely vulnerable from situations that are no fault of their own. There is no better time than now.'

War fuels cholera outbreak across Sudan with Médecins sans frontières (MSF) seeing over 2,300 patients and 40 dead in one week
War fuels cholera outbreak across Sudan with Médecins sans frontières (MSF) seeing over 2,300 patients and 40 dead in one week

Zawya

time8 hours ago

  • Zawya

War fuels cholera outbreak across Sudan with Médecins sans frontières (MSF) seeing over 2,300 patients and 40 dead in one week

The worst cholera outbreak Sudan has had in years is currently spreading, fuelled by the ongoing conflict. People are now grappling with the outbreak on top of the all out war they have experienced over two years. In Darfur region alone, MSF teams saw over 2,300 cholera patients, and 40 deaths, in the last week alone. On top of an all out war, people in Sudan are now experiencing the worst cholera outbreak the country has seen in years. First declared by the Ministry of Health one year ago, there has since been 99,700 suspected cases and more than 2,470 related deaths, as of 11 August. In Darfur region alone, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) teams treated over 2,300 patients and recorded 40 deaths in the past week for cholera, at facilities run by the Ministry of Health. Across Darfur, cholera is hitting people who already struggled with water shortages that made it impossible to follow essential hygiene measures, such as washing dishes and food. The situation is most extreme in Tawila, North Darfur state, where 380,000 people have fled to escape ongoing fighting around the city of El Fasher, according to the United Nations. By the end of July, after one month of responding, MSF teams treated over 2,300 cholera patients in collaboration with the Ministry of Health in Tawila. The cholera treatment centre at Tawila Hospital, officially equipped with 130 beds, had to accommodate 400 patients during the first week of August, overwhelming the facility and forcing staff to add extra mattresses on the floor to cope. In Tawila, people survive with an average of just three litres of water per day, which is less than half the emergency minimum threshold of 7.5 litres needed per person per day for drinking, cooking, and hygiene, as stipulated by the WHO. As cholera cases rise and resources run out, clean water and sanitation services are urgently needed to prevent more deaths. 'In displacement and refugee camps, families often have no choice but to drink from contaminated sources and many contract cholera,' says Sylvain Penicaud, MSF project coordinator in Tawila. 'Just two weeks ago, a body was found in a well inside one of the camps. It was removed, but within two days, people were forced to drink from that same water again.' About 100 kilometres from Tawila, cholera was reported in Golo, Central Darfur state, on 13 July. MSF opened a 73-bed cholera treatment centre in Golo hospital. This centre was quickly overwhelmed, with 137 patients arriving on 3 August alone. Five oral rehydration points were set up around Golo to manage mild cases and prevent deterioration, but our teams see that the outbreak is still spreading fast. In early August, cholera reached Zalingei and Rokero in Central Darfur state, and Sortony in North Darfur state. Heavy rains are worsening the crisis by contaminating water and damaging sewage systems. Cases are continuing to rise in South Darfur state, as well, where MSF, in coordination with the Ministry of Health, has expanded the cholera treatment centre in Nyala to 80 beds. There, the response is waiting for vaccines and facing a severe shortage of water purification tablets. 'The health centres are full,' says Samia Dahab, a resident of Otash displacement camp in Nyala. 'Some areas have water, others have kiosks that are far or empty. Some water is salty, and we drink it unboiled, unsure if it's safe.' As people move around to flee fighting, cholera is spreading further, in Sudan and into neighbouring Chad and South Sudan. In Damazin, Blue Nile state, Sudan, MSF and the Ministry of Health expanded the Damazin hospital cholera treatment centre from 50 to 250 beds in July to cope with an influx of returnees from South Sudan. At this centre, our teams are seeing a deadly combination of cholera and malnutrition. Between 3 and 9 August, six cholera patients who died were also suffering from acute malnutrition. 'The situation is beyond urgent,' says Tuna Turkmen, MSF's head of mission in Sudan. 'The outbreak is spreading well beyond displacement camps now, into multiple localities across Darfur states and beyond.' 'The international response must have an outbreak emergency coordination mechanism able to provide healthcare, improve water and sanitation services, and begin cholera vaccination campaigns in affected areas at a pace that matches the urgency this catastrophic situation requires,' says Turkmen. 'Every day of delay costs lives. MSF stands ready to collaborate with the Ministry of Health, UNICEF, and WHO to launch mass vaccination campaigns across Darfur. Survivors of war must not be left to die from a preventable disease.' Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Médecins sans frontières (MSF).

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store