Rasha Kelej's Comprehensive Approach to Breaking Infertility Stigma

Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, has been driving a comprehensive approach to transform fertility care and break infertility stigma through Merck Foundation's 'More Than a Mother' movement.

The initiative addresses not only the shortage of trained fertility specialists but also the social, cultural, religious, and communication barriers that prevent women and couples from seeking quality fertility care.

Dr. Rasha believes that lasting change requires looking beyond the problem and working on the many layers surrounding it.

To build sustainable local medical expertise, the movement has provided more than 800 scholarships for healthcare providers from 42 countries to support specialized training in fertility care.

The 'More Than a Mother' movement also engages Africa's First Ladies, Ministries, healthcare professionals, media, artists, religious leaders, and community leaders to create an ecosystem for change.