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Over the past 20 years, Merck has worked with many public and private organizations in the fight against HIV and AIDS around the world.

On July 15, one of those efforts, the China-MSD HIV/AIDS Partnership (C-MAP), received China's most prestigious award in the charity field, the China Charity Award — Most Influential Charity Program. The award, presented by the Chinese Ministry of Civil Affairs, recognizes individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to public welfare and charity work in China. Merck was the only multinational pharmaceutical company to win the honor this year.

The contributions made by C-MAP began in 2005 when Merck and the government of China established the program to increase awareness of HIV/AIDS, and strengthen prevention, treatment and support for those affected in the country.

The Merck Company Foundation committed $30 million to support the partnership over five years. The government of China, through the leadership of the Ministry of Health, provided staff, facilities and equipment.

C-MAP became the first comprehensive, large-scale HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment partnership between the Chinese government and a private multinational corporation. Approximately 1,600 organizations in the region participated, including departments within the government of China, medical and health institutions, civil societies, international organizations, and grassroots healthcare workers.

In addition to raising awareness, the program focused on building the capacity of healthcare workers and organizations, and establishing a service network to provide ongoing treatment, care and support to HIV/AIDS patients.

By 2010, through the combined efforts of Merck and China's Ministry of Health, C-MAP's efforts covered 62 counties and districts in China's Sichuan Province, targeting 21 million people. The collaboration brought new technologies to strengthen the testing capabilities of local labs, provided necessary lab equipment and medical supplies, and developed healthcare services specifically targeted to pregnant women to help prevent mother-to-child transmission.

"This contribution to millions of individuals and families at risk or infected with HIV/AIDS will remain forever one of the best examples of what Merck stands for," said Michel Vounatsos, president of MSD in China. "This makes us all proud to work for Merck."

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