ISSUE 48/DEC2022 - Flipbook - Page 33
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Dr Kelej has become a leading voice against infertility stigma and childless
women, devoting her passion for health, education and women rights.
and the African First Ladies, she has
so far, released 7 inspiring children’s
storybooks in English, French
and Portuguese language. The
storybooks are distributed to school
children across Africa in both print
and digital formats.
The power of song
Dr Kelej also knows the significance
and value of songs in influencing
cultural change and mindsets. She
has hence created over 30 songs
in English, French and Portuguese,
all of which cover the issues at the
heart of the Merck Foundation and
her passion – i.e breaking infertility
stigma, empowering women and
healthy living. Not only has she
worked with African First Ladies
on this, she has also notably coopted influential figures such as the
President of Liberia George Weah,
the Former First Lady of Burundi
and the daughter of the current
President of Burundi to composed
and sing songs in support of the
“More than a Mother” campaign. On
the health lifestyle front, Dr. Kelej
has launched the songs No more
Diabetes, Sugar Free. The song
is also sung in both French and
Portuguese Dites non au Diabète
and Chega de Diabete, respectively.
The songs communicate an
important message that diabetes
can be prevented and managed with
lifestyle modifications like going
sugar-free, eating healthy, exercising
regularly, stopping smoking, and
limiting alcohol intake.
It is inarguable that Dr Kelej is a
crusader on a mission. A mission
that is yielding results and her
influence in the areas of health,
patient care, social inclusion, girl
education and the empowerment of
women is therefore undeniable.
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