Universal Principles Must Be Translated into Local Action for Lasting Impact
Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, has published an article titled 'Leadership Beyond the Obvious: Universal Rights Need Local Understanding' as part of her virtual Mentorship and Leadership Platform. In it, she emphasizes that universal principles must be adapted to local realities, priorities, cultural contexts, and community needs.
The article highlights several examples from Dr. Kelej's work at Merck Foundation, including addressing infertility stigma, cancer care, mental healthcare, girls' education, and inclusion of people with disabilities. She stresses that creating lasting change requires more than individual interventions; building local healthcare expertise, engaging communities, addressing social attitudes, and working with partners who understand the local context are essential.
Dr. Kelej notes that Merck Foundation's work across 42 critical and underserved specialties in Africa involves investing in training healthcare professionals and partnering with governments, healthcare providers, First Ladies, Presidents, educators, media, artists, and communities. Each partner plays a different role in translating universal principles into meaningful change.
The article also emphasizes the importance of building local capacity to carry change forward, citing the example of training a local specialist who can care for patients, train others, and help build services that continue to grow independently.