than 120,000 local communities — all of which have
joined together to help bring MECTIZAN to those in
need over the past two decades. The MDP has been
hailed by many as a landmark program involving
collaboration between a private pharmaceutical
company and the public sector, working together
in pursuit of far-reaching humanitarian goals.
Merck is proud that the program now serves as a
model for similar healthcare initiatives.
I think Merck has set a standard of the
highest possible quality. It’s been one
of the most remarkable and exciting
partnerships that I have ever witnessed.
–Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter
More information on the MECTIZAN Donation Program may be obtained from:
MECTIZAN Donation Program Secretariat750 Commerce Drive, Suite 400Decatur, GA 30030 USA
or online at www.mectizan.org
The Merck Medical Outreach Program
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION on the Merck
Medical Outreach Program, please contact:
Ken GustavsenManager, Global Product Donations
Christine FunkAssociate Manager, Corporate Contributions
Mary Alice MerkBusiness Support Coordinator
Merck & Co., Inc.One Merck DriveP.O. Box 100 (WS 1A-17)Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889-0100Phone: 908-423-1000Fax: 908-423-1987
To learn more about corporate responsibility at Merck, please visit www.Merck.com/cr
Merck & Co., Inc., Whitehouse Station, NJ, USA (“Merck”)*
is a global research-driven pharmaceutical company dedicated
to putting patients first. Established in 1891, Merck discovers,
develops, manufactures and markets vaccines and medicines to
address unmet medical needs. The company also devotes extensive
efforts to increase access to medicines through far-reaching
programs that not only donate Merck medicines but help deliver
them to the people who need them. Merck’s product donations
program, known as The Merck Medical Outreach Program, is one
channel through which Merck accomplishes this mission.
The Merck Medical Outreach Program (MMOP) was established
within the Office of Contributions of Merck & Co., Inc. in 1958.
Through this program Merck donates critical pharmaceuticals
and vaccines to a limited number of qualified, US-based,
private voluntary organizations (PVOs) for use in their on-going,
humanitarian programs in the developing world, and in support
of major disaster relief efforts within the United States and
abroad. Donations for use in the United States or other devel-
oped countries are generally not made through this program,
except in disaster/emergency situations.
The scope of the MMOP varies from year to year and is
influenced by changing medical needs in developing countries,
the quantity of Merck medicines available for donation, and
the random nature of natural and man-made disasters.
Donations of Merck medicines, with the exception of MECTIZANTM,
are made primarily through six qualified 501(c)(3) PVOs —
AmeriCares, Catholic Medical Mission Board (CMMB), Direct Relief
International, Interchurch Medical Assistance, Inc. (I. M. A.),
MAP International and Project HOPE. Each of these organizations
has a long-standing relationship with the Company, demonstrates
integrity of purpose; provides assurance that Merck products will
be securely warehoused and will not be diverted, mishandled or
misappropriated; and has well-established programs for the ill
and needy in developing countries. Such direction provides the
Company with the controls necessary for the proper distribution
and handling of Merck medicines through this program. Merck
does not provide donations to individuals, medical missions, or
donations of expired products or products that do not have adequate
dating to allow for proper administration prior to expiration.
Cover photo courtesy of AmeriCares.
© 2006 Merck & Co., Inc. All rights reserved.*Merck & Co., Inc., operates as Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD) in most countries outside theUnited States.
THE MERCK ANNUAL PRODUCT ALLOTMENT PROGRAM allows six PVOs to order fully dated material of their choice
from the Company’s current product line — up to an annually authorized amount. The first program of its kind in the
industry, it has served as a model for pharmaceutical companies who have established similar programs. Jodi Allison,
Account Manager of Corporate Relations at MAP International, observes, “Allowing PVOs to order specific medicines of their
own choice enables us ultimately to get the most needed medicines to those who have the greatest need. It also enables
PVOs to plan more effectively and to provide continued treatment of particular therapies. In a world where nearly half
the population still lacks regular access to basic healthcare, let alone essential medicines, this is extremely helpful.”
EXCESS PHARMACEUTICALS AND VACCINES are available to Merck’s Office of Contributions for donation by the
Merck Manufacturing Division (MMD) and the Merck Vaccine Division (MVD), and are regularly offered to the PVOs for use in
their on-going, humanitarian programs. Says Kara Keating, of CMMB, “In addition to supporting CMMB with a sustainable
supply of medicines through the Annual Allotment program, Merck responded to CMMB’s call for action in providing 100,000
doses of Measles, Mumps, and Rubella vaccine for CMMB’s Back to Haiti Initiative for child health. With Merck's support,
CMMB continues to provide quality healthcare programs and services to people in need worldwide.”
DISASTER AND EMERGENCY RELIEF The Merck Office of Contributions responds to disaster and emergency relief
situations around the world and acts as the clearinghouse within Merck for coordinating a Company-wide response to
major medical emergencies and disasters. Each disaster relief request is evaluated and handled on a case-by-case basis.
The Office of Contributions relies on the PVOs to communicate with in-country partners and staff, as well as affected
Ministries of Health, to provide accurate needs assessments. Working with the PVOs, Merck’s inventory planning
groups, the Merck Vaccine Division and local country management, the Office of Contributions determines an appropriate
response to disaster situations. Recently, donations of Merck medicines and vaccines played an important role in support
of relief efforts for areas affected by:
• The Southeast Asia Tsunami in 2004 $7.5 million inMerck medicines and vaccines
• Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in the United States in 2005
$11 million in Merck medicines and vaccines
• The earthquake in Pakistan in 2005 $95,000 in Merck medicines and vaccines
Dr. John P. Howe III, President and CEO of Project HOPE,
notes, “Merck is one of Project HOPE’s most reliable and
compassionate partners. From the historic first mission of
the S.S. HOPE nearly 50 years ago, to our hurricane, earth-
quake and tsunami relief efforts of recent times, Merck has
been at our side helping to bring life-saving health care
resources and hope to the people who need them most.”
the lymphatic system. Those affected may develop kidney
damage due to blockage of the lymphatic system. The
disease is commonly known as elephantiasis because it
can lead to the disfiguring enlargement of the arms, legs
and genitals. More than 300 million people in Africa are
at risk of contracting LF.
In 1998, Merck committed to donating MECTIZAN for the
elimination of LF in African countries where it co-exists
with onchocerciasis. Merck’s MECTIZAN is a key component
of the Global Alliance for the Elimination of Lymphatic
Filariasis (GAELF), which has the goal of eliminating LF
worldwide by the year 2020. By 2006, national LF elimina-
tion programs using MECTIZAN had been established in
10 African countries, with an estimated 40 million people
receiving the medication.
The MECTIZAN Donation Program is the largest, continuing
donation program of its kind, involving a unique and
unprecedented collaboration amongst Merck, the World
Health Organization, the World Bank, UNICEF, numerous
non-governmental development organizations and
international agencies, Ministries of Health and more
MERCK MECTIZAN DONATION PROGRAM (MDP)Now marking its 20th year, the Merck MECTIZAN Donation
Program (MDP) for the treatment of onchocerciasis (river
blindness) and elimination of lymphatic filariasis is the
largest component of the MMOP. Merck decided to donate
MECTIZANTM for the treatment of river blindness for as long
as needed, wherever needed, in 1987. In 1998, Merck
expanded the MDP to include the elimination of
lymphatic filariasis in African countries where
lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis co-exist.
Onchocerciasis is endemic in 35 countries throughout
sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and in Yemen, with
an estimated 120 million people in these areas at risk
of contracting the disease. The disease is caused
by a parasitic worm that is transmitted (to infected
individuals) by the bite of a black fly that breeds
in fast-flowing rivers. A debilitating parasitic disease
that causes excruciating itching and severe disfigure-
ment, onchocerciasis is a leading cause of preventable
blindness in Central and West Africa.
Merck donates MECTIZAN to non-governmental development
organizations (NGDOs) — working in conjunction with local
Ministries of Health — for the treatment of large populations
in countries where onchocerciasis is endemic. Applications
to implement community-directed treatment programs are
submitted to the MECTIZAN Donation Program Secretariat for
review and approval by the MECTIZAN Expert Committee.
The Merck MECTIZAN Donation Program has successfully reached
millions at risk in some of the poorest regions in the world.
In 2006 alone, more than 60 million people were treated for
onchocerciasis with MECTIZAN.
Lymphatic filariasis, (LF) commonly referred to as elephantiasis,
is a disease found in the tropics and sub-tropics of Africa, Asia,
the Western Pacific and parts of the Americas. The parasitic
filarial worms are transmitted by a mosquito and lodge in Photo courtesy of Interchurch Medical Assistance, Inc.
THE MERCK ANNUAL PRODUCT ALLOTMENT PROGRAM allows six PVOs to order fully dated material of their choice
from the Company’s current product line — up to an annually authorized amount. The first program of its kind in the
industry, it has served as a model for pharmaceutical companies who have established similar programs. Jodi Allison,
Account Manager of Corporate Relations at MAP International, observes, “Allowing PVOs to order specific medicines of their
own choice enables us ultimately to get the most needed medicines to those who have the greatest need. It also enables
PVOs to plan more effectively and to provide continued treatment of particular therapies. In a world where nearly half
the population still lacks regular access to basic healthcare, let alone essential medicines, this is extremely helpful.”
EXCESS PHARMACEUTICALS AND VACCINES are available to Merck’s Office of Contributions for donation by the
Merck Manufacturing Division (MMD) and the Merck Vaccine Division (MVD), and are regularly offered to the PVOs for use in
their on-going, humanitarian programs. Says Kara Keating, of CMMB, “In addition to supporting CMMB with a sustainable
supply of medicines through the Annual Allotment program, Merck responded to CMMB’s call for action in providing 100,000
doses of Measles, Mumps, and Rubella vaccine for CMMB’s Back to Haiti Initiative for child health. With Merck's support,
CMMB continues to provide quality healthcare programs and services to people in need worldwide.”
DISASTER AND EMERGENCY RELIEF The Merck Office of Contributions responds to disaster and emergency relief
situations around the world and acts as the clearinghouse within Merck for coordinating a Company-wide response to
major medical emergencies and disasters. Each disaster relief request is evaluated and handled on a case-by-case basis.
The Office of Contributions relies on the PVOs to communicate with in-country partners and staff, as well as affected
Ministries of Health, to provide accurate needs assessments. Working with the PVOs, Merck’s inventory planning
groups, the Merck Vaccine Division and local country management, the Office of Contributions determines an appropriate
response to disaster situations. Recently, donations of Merck medicines and vaccines played an important role in support
of relief efforts for areas affected by:
• The Southeast Asia Tsunami in 2004 $7.5 million inMerck medicines and vaccines
• Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in the United States in 2005
$11 million in Merck medicines and vaccines
• The earthquake in Pakistan in 2005 $95,000 in Merck medicines and vaccines
Dr. John P. Howe III, President and CEO of Project HOPE,
notes, “Merck is one of Project HOPE’s most reliable and
compassionate partners. From the historic first mission of
the S.S. HOPE nearly 50 years ago, to our hurricane, earth-
quake and tsunami relief efforts of recent times, Merck has
been at our side helping to bring life-saving health care
resources and hope to the people who need them most.”
the lymphatic system. Those affected may develop kidney
damage due to blockage of the lymphatic system. The
disease is commonly known as elephantiasis because it
can lead to the disfiguring enlargement of the arms, legs
and genitals. More than 300 million people in Africa are
at risk of contracting LF.
In 1998, Merck committed to donating MECTIZAN for the
elimination of LF in African countries where it co-exists
with onchocerciasis. Merck’s MECTIZAN is a key component
of the Global Alliance for the Elimination of Lymphatic
Filariasis (GAELF), which has the goal of eliminating LF
worldwide by the year 2020. By 2006, national LF elimina-
tion programs using MECTIZAN had been established in
10 African countries, with an estimated 40 million people
receiving the medication.
The MECTIZAN Donation Program is the largest, continuing
donation program of its kind, involving a unique and
unprecedented collaboration amongst Merck, the World
Health Organization, the World Bank, UNICEF, numerous
non-governmental development organizations and
international agencies, Ministries of Health and more
MERCK MECTIZAN DONATION PROGRAM (MDP)Now marking its 20th year, the Merck MECTIZAN Donation
Program (MDP) for the treatment of onchocerciasis (river
blindness) and elimination of lymphatic filariasis is the
largest component of the MMOP. Merck decided to donate
MECTIZANTM for the treatment of river blindness for as long
as needed, wherever needed, in 1987. In 1998, Merck
expanded the MDP to include the elimination of
lymphatic filariasis in African countries where
lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis co-exist.
Onchocerciasis is endemic in 35 countries throughout
sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and in Yemen, with
an estimated 120 million people in these areas at risk
of contracting the disease. The disease is caused
by a parasitic worm that is transmitted (to infected
individuals) by the bite of a black fly that breeds
in fast-flowing rivers. A debilitating parasitic disease
that causes excruciating itching and severe disfigure-
ment, onchocerciasis is a leading cause of preventable
blindness in Central and West Africa.
Merck donates MECTIZAN to non-governmental development
organizations (NGDOs) — working in conjunction with local
Ministries of Health — for the treatment of large populations
in countries where onchocerciasis is endemic. Applications
to implement community-directed treatment programs are
submitted to the MECTIZAN Donation Program Secretariat for
review and approval by the MECTIZAN Expert Committee.
The Merck MECTIZAN Donation Program has successfully reached
millions at risk in some of the poorest regions in the world.
In 2006 alone, more than 60 million people were treated for
onchocerciasis with MECTIZAN.
Lymphatic filariasis, (LF) commonly referred to as elephantiasis,
is a disease found in the tropics and sub-tropics of Africa, Asia,
the Western Pacific and parts of the Americas. The parasitic
filarial worms are transmitted by a mosquito and lodge in Photo courtesy of Interchurch Medical Assistance, Inc.
than 120,000 local communities — all of which have
joined together to help bring MECTIZAN to those in
need over the past two decades. The MDP has been
hailed by many as a landmark program involving
collaboration between a private pharmaceutical
company and the public sector, working together
in pursuit of far-reaching humanitarian goals.
Merck is proud that the program now serves as a
model for similar healthcare initiatives.
I think Merck has set a standard of the
highest possible quality. It’s been one
of the most remarkable and exciting
partnerships that I have ever witnessed.
–Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter
More information on the MECTIZAN Donation Program may be obtained from:
MECTIZAN Donation Program Secretariat750 Commerce Drive, Suite 400Decatur, GA 30030 USA
or online at www.mectizan.org
The Merck Medical Outreach Program
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION on the Merck
Medical Outreach Program, please contact:
Ken GustavsenManager, Global Product Donations
Christine FunkAssociate Manager, Corporate Contributions
Mary Alice MerkBusiness Support Coordinator
Merck & Co., Inc.One Merck DriveP.O. Box 100 (WS 1A-17)Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889-0100Phone: 908-423-1000Fax: 908-423-1987
To learn more about corporate responsibility at Merck, please visit www.Merck.com/cr
Merck & Co., Inc., Whitehouse Station, NJ, USA (“Merck”)*
is a global research-driven pharmaceutical company dedicated
to putting patients first. Established in 1891, Merck discovers,
develops, manufactures and markets vaccines and medicines to
address unmet medical needs. The company also devotes extensive
efforts to increase access to medicines through far-reaching
programs that not only donate Merck medicines but help deliver
them to the people who need them. Merck’s product donations
program, known as The Merck Medical Outreach Program, is one
channel through which Merck accomplishes this mission.
The Merck Medical Outreach Program (MMOP) was established
within the Office of Contributions of Merck & Co., Inc. in 1958.
Through this program Merck donates critical pharmaceuticals
and vaccines to a limited number of qualified, US-based,
private voluntary organizations (PVOs) for use in their on-going,
humanitarian programs in the developing world, and in support
of major disaster relief efforts within the United States and
abroad. Donations for use in the United States or other devel-
oped countries are generally not made through this program,
except in disaster/emergency situations.
The scope of the MMOP varies from year to year and is
influenced by changing medical needs in developing countries,
the quantity of Merck medicines available for donation, and
the random nature of natural and man-made disasters.
Donations of Merck medicines, with the exception of MECTIZANTM,
are made primarily through six qualified 501(c)(3) PVOs —
AmeriCares, Catholic Medical Mission Board (CMMB), Direct Relief
International, Interchurch Medical Assistance, Inc. (I. M. A.),
MAP International and Project HOPE. Each of these organizations
has a long-standing relationship with the Company, demonstrates
integrity of purpose; provides assurance that Merck products will
be securely warehoused and will not be diverted, mishandled or
misappropriated; and has well-established programs for the ill
and needy in developing countries. Such direction provides the
Company with the controls necessary for the proper distribution
and handling of Merck medicines through this program. Merck
does not provide donations to individuals, medical missions, or
donations of expired products or products that do not have adequate
dating to allow for proper administration prior to expiration.
Cover photo courtesy of AmeriCares.
© 2006 Merck & Co., Inc. All rights reserved.*Merck & Co., Inc., operates as Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD) in most countries outside theUnited States.
than 120,000 local communities — all of which have
joined together to help bring MECTIZAN to those in
need over the past two decades. The MDP has been
hailed by many as a landmark program involving
collaboration between a private pharmaceutical
company and the public sector, working together
in pursuit of far-reaching humanitarian goals.
Merck is proud that the program now serves as a
model for similar healthcare initiatives.
I think Merck has set a standard of the
highest possible quality. It’s been one
of the most remarkable and exciting
partnerships that I have ever witnessed.
–Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter
More information on the MECTIZAN Donation Program may be obtained from:
MECTIZAN Donation Program Secretariat750 Commerce Drive, Suite 400Decatur, GA 30030 USA
or online at www.mectizan.org
The Merck Medical Outreach Program
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION on the Merck
Medical Outreach Program, please contact:
Ken GustavsenManager, Global Product Donations
Christine FunkAssociate Manager, Corporate Contributions
Mary Alice MerkBusiness Support Coordinator
Merck & Co., Inc.One Merck DriveP.O. Box 100 (WS 1A-17)Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889-0100Phone: 908-423-1000Fax: 908-423-1987
To learn more about corporate responsibility at Merck, please visit www.Merck.com/cr
Merck & Co., Inc., Whitehouse Station, NJ, USA (“Merck”)*
is a global research-driven pharmaceutical company dedicated
to putting patients first. Established in 1891, Merck discovers,
develops, manufactures and markets vaccines and medicines to
address unmet medical needs. The company also devotes extensive
efforts to increase access to medicines through far-reaching
programs that not only donate Merck medicines but help deliver
them to the people who need them. Merck’s product donations
program, known as The Merck Medical Outreach Program, is one
channel through which Merck accomplishes this mission.
The Merck Medical Outreach Program (MMOP) was established
within the Office of Contributions of Merck & Co., Inc. in 1958.
Through this program Merck donates critical pharmaceuticals
and vaccines to a limited number of qualified, US-based,
private voluntary organizations (PVOs) for use in their on-going,
humanitarian programs in the developing world, and in support
of major disaster relief efforts within the United States and
abroad. Donations for use in the United States or other devel-
oped countries are generally not made through this program,
except in disaster/emergency situations.
The scope of the MMOP varies from year to year and is
influenced by changing medical needs in developing countries,
the quantity of Merck medicines available for donation, and
the random nature of natural and man-made disasters.
Donations of Merck medicines, with the exception of MECTIZANTM,
are made primarily through six qualified 501(c)(3) PVOs —
AmeriCares, Catholic Medical Mission Board (CMMB), Direct Relief
International, Interchurch Medical Assistance, Inc. (I. M. A.),
MAP International and Project HOPE. Each of these organizations
has a long-standing relationship with the Company, demonstrates
integrity of purpose; provides assurance that Merck products will
be securely warehoused and will not be diverted, mishandled or
misappropriated; and has well-established programs for the ill
and needy in developing countries. Such direction provides the
Company with the controls necessary for the proper distribution
and handling of Merck medicines through this program. Merck
does not provide donations to individuals, medical missions, or
donations of expired products or products that do not have adequate
dating to allow for proper administration prior to expiration.
Cover photo courtesy of AmeriCares.
© 2006 Merck & Co., Inc. All rights reserved.*Merck & Co., Inc., operates as Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD) in most countries outside theUnited States.
than 120,000 local communities — all of which have
joined together to help bring MECTIZAN to those in
need over the past two decades. The MDP has been
hailed by many as a landmark program involving
collaboration between a private pharmaceutical
company and the public sector, working together
in pursuit of far-reaching humanitarian goals.
Merck is proud that the program now serves as a
model for similar healthcare initiatives.
I think Merck has set a standard of the
highest possible quality. It’s been one
of the most remarkable and exciting
partnerships that I have ever witnessed.
–Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter
More information on the MECTIZAN Donation Program may be obtained from:
MECTIZAN Donation Program Secretariat750 Commerce Drive, Suite 400Decatur, GA 30030 USA
or online at www.mectizan.org
The Merck Medical Outreach Program
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION on the Merck
Medical Outreach Program, please contact:
Ken GustavsenManager, Global Product Donations
Christine FunkAssociate Manager, Corporate Contributions
Mary Alice MerkBusiness Support Coordinator
Merck & Co., Inc.One Merck DriveP.O. Box 100 (WS 1A-17)Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889-0100Phone: 908-423-1000Fax: 908-423-1987
To learn more about corporate responsibility at Merck, please visit www.Merck.com/cr
Merck & Co., Inc., Whitehouse Station, NJ, USA (“Merck”)*
is a global research-driven pharmaceutical company dedicated
to putting patients first. Established in 1891, Merck discovers,
develops, manufactures and markets vaccines and medicines to
address unmet medical needs. The company also devotes extensive
efforts to increase access to medicines through far-reaching
programs that not only donate Merck medicines but help deliver
them to the people who need them. Merck’s product donations
program, known as The Merck Medical Outreach Program, is one
channel through which Merck accomplishes this mission.
The Merck Medical Outreach Program (MMOP) was established
within the Office of Contributions of Merck & Co., Inc. in 1958.
Through this program Merck donates critical pharmaceuticals
and vaccines to a limited number of qualified, US-based,
private voluntary organizations (PVOs) for use in their on-going,
humanitarian programs in the developing world, and in support
of major disaster relief efforts within the United States and
abroad. Donations for use in the United States or other devel-
oped countries are generally not made through this program,
except in disaster/emergency situations.
The scope of the MMOP varies from year to year and is
influenced by changing medical needs in developing countries,
the quantity of Merck medicines available for donation, and
the random nature of natural and man-made disasters.
Donations of Merck medicines, with the exception of MECTIZANTM,
are made primarily through six qualified 501(c)(3) PVOs —
AmeriCares, Catholic Medical Mission Board (CMMB), Direct Relief
International, Interchurch Medical Assistance, Inc. (I. M. A.),
MAP International and Project HOPE. Each of these organizations
has a long-standing relationship with the Company, demonstrates
integrity of purpose; provides assurance that Merck products will
be securely warehoused and will not be diverted, mishandled or
misappropriated; and has well-established programs for the ill
and needy in developing countries. Such direction provides the
Company with the controls necessary for the proper distribution
and handling of Merck medicines through this program. Merck
does not provide donations to individuals, medical missions, or
donations of expired products or products that do not have adequate
dating to allow for proper administration prior to expiration.
Cover photo courtesy of AmeriCares.
© 2006 Merck & Co., Inc. All rights reserved.*Merck & Co., Inc., operates as Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD) in most countries outside theUnited States.