At Merck, we undertake a wide range of corporate responsibility and philanthropic programs that are developed and implemented locally, nationally, regionally and globally. We have specific mechanisms in place to help us meet our corporate responsibility objectives. Three of these mechanisms are the Merck Office of Contributions, the Office of Global Health Partnerships and The Merck Company Foundation. In 2007, Merck's philanthropic contributions totaled $828 million, consisting of cash contributions ($62 million), product donations through the U.S. Patient Assistance Programs ($161 million), and product donations through the Merck Medical Outreach Program ($605 million). In addition, we provide technical expertise and program management.

About the Merck Office of Contributions

Together with The Merck Company Foundation, the Office of Contributions supports charitable and philanthropic organizations that contribute to - and advance - our society in meaningful ways. The Office helps guide the strategic direction of Merck's philanthropic activities and participates in their implementation. These activities, in the form of cash contributions and product donations, are guided by four strategic priorities, aligned with our business capabilities and needs:

• Expanding access to medicines, vaccines and quality health care
• Building capacity in the biomedical and health sciences
• Promoting environments that encourage innovation, economic growth and development in a fair and ethical context
• Supporting communities where Merck has a major presence

In addition, the Office of Contributions coordinates the Company's disaster response efforts.

The Office of Contributions seeks to develop and support programs and partnerships that will help to improve the health and well-being of people around the world. We work with existing and new partners that we identify for collaboration in achieving the mission and goals of our programs and partnerships. Because the majority of our funding support is directed to specific initiatives or programs that we initiate and that support our giving priorities, we do not accept or respond to unsolicited proposals.