On December 26, 2004, a massive tsunami devastated parts of Southeast Asia, India and the eastern coast of Africa. Merck immediately joined in the massive worldwide relief effort. In the days following the disaster, we made a contribution of US $3 million to the American Red Cross, the U.S. Fund for UNICEF and several local agencies in support of their work in the massive relief and longer-term rebuilding efforts. We also donated more than $7.5 million in much-needed medicines and vaccines through established relationships with select private voluntary organizations (PVOs).

In addition, Merck activated its Disaster Relief Matching Funds Program, through which Merck employees worldwide were able to make cash contributions to three major agencies working to assist countries affected by the tsunami - the American Red Cross International Fund, the U.S. Fund for UNICEF and Save the Children. Employee donations totaled more than $500,000, and were matched 100 percent by The Merck Company Foundation, for a total contribution of $1 million.

Local Responses to the Tsunami

While Merck's Office of Contributions coordinates Company-wide responses to emergency health situations, many Merck subsidiaries also respond to urgent requests for assistance. In the aftermath of the December 26 tsunami, a number of Merck subsidiaries - which operate as Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD) in most countries outside the United States - also contributed to the relief effort through cash contributions and product donations to relief organizations working in the region.

For Merck subsidiaries in Asia, the tsunami struck tragically close to home. These offices were quick to mobilize relief efforts locally:

• Immediately following the disaster, employees at MSD Indonesia, MSD Thailand, MSD Singapore and MSD Malaysia began collecting food, blankets and water to distribute to victims. Their support continued through local product and monetary donations toward the ongoing relief efforts.
• MSD Thailand partnered with the local pharmaceutical research and manufacturing association to donate anti-infectives and vaccines. In addition, MSD Thailand employees raised money to help rebuild a colleague's family home in Phang-Nga that was destroyed by the tsunami. Since the disaster, MSD Thailand has been evaluating assistance options to help rebuild medical infrastructure.
• Employees at MSD Pakistan agreed to donate one day's salary to tsunami relief efforts - a contribution that was matched by the local subsidiary. MSD Pakistan also donated Merck medicines to assist aid efforts in Sri Lanka.
• MSD Taiwan employees raised funds through the Merck Disaster Relief Matching Funds Program to assist disaster relief efforts by the Taiwan Red Cross and other local charities. MSD Taiwan also donated Merck medicines to support relief efforts.