In a significant move to bolster healthcare transformation in Africa, Dr. Rasha Kelej, the Chief Executive Officer of the Merck Foundation, held a high-level meeting with Her Excellency Angeline Ndayishimiye, the First Lady of the Republic of Burundi. The pivotal discussion centered on evaluating the profound impact of their ongoing collaborative programs and laying the groundwork for a comprehensive strategy to guide their partnership through 2026.
Reviewing a Legacy of Healthcare Transformation
The meeting served as a crucial checkpoint to assess the tangible outcomes of the long-standing alliance between the Merck Foundation and the Office of the First Lady of Burundi. A primary focus was the landmark initiative that has seen over 120 Burundian doctors receiving advanced specialist training in critical, underserved fields. This capacity-building effort is directly addressing the nation's healthcare gaps.
These doctors are being equipped as experts in vital disciplines such as diabetes, preventive cardiovascular medicine, oncology, fertility care, respiratory medicine, and acute care. The partnership has also made strides in training embryologists to establish the first-ever public fertility care services in Burundi, a groundbreaking step for the country.
Beyond Medicine: Advocacy and Awareness Campaigns
The collaboration extends far beyond clinical training. Together, Dr. Kelej and First Lady Ndayishimiye, who is also the Ambassador of the Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” campaign, have spearheaded powerful advocacy movements. They have worked relentlessly to break the stigma surrounding infertility across all levels of society in Burundi.
Their joint efforts have fostered a national dialogue to empower women living with infertility and reinforce the crucial message that men and women are equally responsible for family planning. This social initiative is complemented by the creation of local media recognition awards, encouraging journalists to produce insightful stories on these sensitive health and social issues.
Charting the Course: The 2026 Strategic Blueprint
Looking forward, the core of the discussion was the development of a detailed and actionable plan for 2026. This future strategy aims to deepen and expand the existing programs to maximize their sustainable impact on the Burundian healthcare landscape and society at large.
The planned initiatives are multifaceted, focusing on further building medical capacity, enhancing community health education, and continuing to dismantle harmful social stigmas. The strategy underscores a shared commitment to not only treating illness but also building a healthier, more informed, and equitable society.
Dr. Rasha Kelej, also the President of “More Than a Mother,” expressed her deep honor in continuing the strong partnership with First Lady Angeline Ndayishimiye. She emphasized that the First Lady's dedicated advocacy has been instrumental in driving positive change and shaping a healthier future for the nation.
This high-level strategic meeting marks a renewed commitment from both parties. By building on past successes and strategically planning for the next phase, the Merck Foundation and the Office of the First Lady of Burundi are poised to significantly advance healthcare access, quality, and social equity in the country for years to come.
