In keeping with our long-standing commitment to help address the global HIV/AIDS epidemic, Merck has entered into several new partnerships to continue to expand access to HIV/AIDS treatment and care, build health care capacity and identify and address unmet needs.
In May 2005, Merck announced the establishment of a public-private partnership with China's Ministry of Health to address HIV/AIDS prevention, patient care, treatment and support. The project will focus on education, counseling, testing, harm reduction and health services, including treatment and care for people living with HIV/AIDS.
The partnership seeks to build a comprehensive, integrated approach to HIV/AIDS management, focusing its efforts in six critical areas:
- Identifying high risk populations that drive the epidemic, such as intravenous drug users and commercial sex workers,
- Conducting disease awareness and education programs,
- Expanding prevention strategies, such as condom distribution and harm reduction,
- Offering care and treatment programs,
- Enhancing healthcare worker training and patient management skills, and
- Providing social and economic support, ranging from establishing community networks to job skills training.
The Merck Company Foundation has committed USD $30 million to support the partnership over five years. The Government of China, through the leadership of the Ministry of Health, will provide resources such as staff, facilities and equipment. The partners introduced the program in Liangshan Prefecture, Sichuan Province in the winter of 2005. The program will be expanded to other areas of China over five years.
To learn more about Merck's commitment to addressing HIV/AIDS, click on the links below:
