Akon, the Senegalese descent international superstar met the Merck Foundation CEO, Senator, Dr Rasha Kelej, at her office to discuss the programs of Merck Foundation.

They also spoke about opportunities for collaboration to support girls’ education, women empowerment and building healthcare capacity in Africa.

AKON, who is a Senegalese-American singer, songwriter, record producer, and entrepreneur was impressed to know about the work being undertaken by Merck Foundation across the African continent especially the programs that aim to support girls' education and transforming patient care in Africa.

Speaking about her meeting with the global superstar Akon, Senator, Dr Rasha Kelej emphasised, "I personally love his songs.

"As an African woman, I’m proud of his global achievement and status as an African artist. I am looking forward to future collaboration to further support and build capacity in our beloved continent, Africa”.

Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej has been recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential Africans in the world for 2019, 2020 and 2021. She has also been appointed by the President of Egypt as Senator at The Egyptian Senate (2020 - 2025).

During their meeting, the superstar mentioned that he is looking forward to collaborating with Merck Foundation through his Foundation.

Merck Foundation through their ‘More Than A Mother’ campaign has been empowering infertile women through access to information, health, change of mindset, and economic empowerment.

More than 20 African First Ladies have been appointed as Ambassadors of “Merck Foundation More than a Mother”.

Merck Foundation has also been contributing to the future of hundreds of African girls through their ‘Educating Linda’ Program by supporting the education of many of the high performing girls by providing scholarships and grants that can cover school fees, school uniforms, and other essentials including notebooks, pens, and mathematical instruments, so they can reach their potential and pursue their dreams.

“Empowering women starts with education, to enable them to be healthier, stronger, and independent”, explains Senator, Dr. Rasha.

Moreover, Merck Foundation has been transforming Patient care in Africa. More than 1200 doctors from 44 countries are benefiting from Merck Foundation scholarships in critical and underserved fields such as Oncology, Diabetes, Preventative Cardiovascular Medicine, Endocrinology, Sexual and Reproductive Medicine, Acute Medicine, Respiratory Medicine, Embryology & Fertility speciality, Rheumatology, Clinical Psychiatry, Gastroenterology, Dermatology, Critical Care, Neo-Natal Medicine, Pain Management, Urology, General & Advanced Surgical, Clinical Microbiology & Infectious diseases, Opthalmology, Internal Medicine, Trauma & Orthopedics and many more.