In some of the least developed countries in the world, 50 percent of children do not receive basic vaccinations in their first year of life. Contributing to this tragic circumstance are:
- Infrastructure challenges such as logistics to maintain supply chain and communications networks,
- Professional challenges such as staff availability, field experience and training gaps; and
- Financial challenges, such as competing health care priorities and adequate funding
Merck is working in a number of ways to help support access to vaccines and strengthen delivery systems in the world's least developed countries. One way is through innovative partnerships to help assess disease burden, evaluate effective models for vaccine introduction, and pursue programs to demonstrate feasibility of immunization programs and the impact of vaccine introduction. Here are a few examples of partnerships and programs we have established:
- Merck Vaccine Network – Africa: As part of our commitment to the GAVI Alliance, Merck initiated the Merck Vaccine Network - Africa (MVN-A). A multi-year philanthropic initiative, MVN-A supports the development of sustainable immunization training centers in Africa by providing mid- to high-level immunization program managers with hands-on training in vaccine management and immunization services.
- Partnership with the Nicaraguan Ministry of Health: Launched at the Clinton Global Initiative in 2006, this partnership aims to demonstrate the public health impact of a national rotavirus vaccination program. As part of the partnership, all infants born in Nicaragua in a three-year period will receive free doses of Merck's rotavirus vaccines. Through 2007, more than 150,000 infants have been vaccinated with Merck's rotavirus vaccines in Nicaragua. This program adds to the evidence base supporting the efforts of the global public health community to accelerate the introduction of routine rotavirus vaccines in resource-poor countries.
- The GARDASIL® Access Program: Launched at the Clinton Global Initiative in 2007, this initiative aims to donate at least 3 million doses of Merck's cervical cancer vaccine to support vaccination programs in lowest income nations. To implement this program, Merck expects to establish a partnership with a non-governmental organization to establish formal criteria for the program and to review proposals from developing world nations working independently and/or with non-governmental organizations, governments, or international organizations. Merck will provide free doses of GARDASIL for use in these programs.
To view other examples of how Merck is working across sectors to improve health in the developing world, click on the links below:
