By Elizabeth Angira
Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, is marking ‘World Art Day 2025’ through its dynamic Pan-African Art and Fashion with Purpose Community, established by Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation.
Through this vibrant platform, Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej continues to champion awareness on critical health and social issues, while empowering artists across Africa and beyond to harness their creativity as a powerful tool for advocacy, education, and fostering cultural transformation within their communities.
Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej recognized among the 100 Most Influential Africans for six consecutive years (2019 to 2024) emphasized the power of artistic expression in driving change:
“I am delighted to mark World Art Day 2025 as I strongly believe that art, fashion, and media hold immense power in raising awareness and addressing critical social and health issues ultimately creating a culture shift in communities. Art and fashion, to me, go far beyond aesthetics or entertainment; they serve as meaningful tools for education and advocacy.”
Guided by this vision, the Foundation has launched several impactful initiatives, including its groundbreaking pan-African TV program Our Africa by Merck Foundation.
Conceptualized, produced, directed, and co-hosted by Dr. Kelej herself, the show features African fashion designers, musicians, and subject matter experts to spotlight pressing societal issues through a culturally relevant lens. The program has captivated millions of viewers across the continent.
“Our Africa by Merck Foundation” and other initiatives work hand-in-hand to raise awareness around critical issues such as breaking infertility stigma, supporting girls’ education, ending child marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM), combating gender-based violence, empowering women, and educating on health matters like diabetes and hypertension.
“Africa’s creativity reflects its rich heritage—through art, fabrics, music, and storytelling which is passed on through generations,” said Dr. Kelej.
“That is why, together with my dear sisters, the First Ladies of Africa, who serve as Ambassadors of the Merck Foundation More Than a Mother campaign, we launch these awards annually. They are designed to inspire young Africans to use their talents to address important health and social challenges through their creative work.”
As part of its Community Awareness Programs, Merck Foundation has also produced over 30 songs in English, French, Portuguese, and various African languages, in collaboration with artists from across the continent. These songs tackle topics such as infertility stigma, women’s empowerment, girls’ education, diabetes awareness, and healthy lifestyle promotion.
Additionally, in partnership with African First Ladies, Merck Foundation has released eight children’s storybooks in English, French, and Portuguese. These storybooks have been further adapted into animated films to help convey crucial messages at the grassroots level, ensuring communities are reached in relatable and engaging ways.
As the world marks World Art Day 2025, Merck Foundation continues to demonstrate that art is not just for admiration it is a transformative force for advocacy, education, and lasting social impact across Africa.
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Elizabeth Angira is a trailblazing climate journalist whose work bridges science, policy, and human impact. As Senior Climate Reporter at The Mount Kenya Times, she leads in-depth coverage on climate resilience, energy innovation, and sustainability across East Africa and beyond. Her storytelling has earned international acclaim, including a third-place win for “The Best Energy Story in Foreign Media” by the Global Energy Association in Moscow.
Elizabeth’s portfolio reflects her commitment to excellence and advocacy:
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