Global research-based pharmaceutical company Merck & Co., Inc., known in the Philippines as Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD), recently donated 40,002 doses of hepatitis B vaccines to the non-profit organization MAP International for administration by its Philippine partner Children International – Philippines Housing Foundation, Inc.

The donation was part of MSD’s mission to bring medicines and vaccines to people who need them. Locally, the Company has been partnering with communities and non-governmental agencies to make medicines and vaccines more accessible to Filipinos. 

The first donation campaign was conducted by Unang Lingap Kapwa Philippines, Inc., a CI sponsorship operating agency (SOA), held at the Betty Lou Daul Center at Talayan, Quezon City. Additional vaccine distribution will also be held in Manila, Quezon City, Caloocan, Bulacan, Legazpi City, Tabaco, etc.

Worldwide, MSD is known for its corporate responsibility which includes providing support to qualified organizations and selected programs that serve the needs of society, in line with the Company’s business and philanthropic goals to advance scientific knowledge and education and improve the health and well-being of people. Since 1958, through the Merck Medical Outreach Program, MSD has donated critical medicines and vaccines that have benefited millions of people in over 120 countries worldwide.

"In the Philippines, MSD has been helping improve the health and well-being of Filipinos by providing Filipino patients with breakthrough medicines and vaccines and disease information," said Chris Tan, MSD managing director. "We continue to pursue scientific excellence in developing breakthrough and innovative medicines and vaccines and are committed to the highest standards of ethics and integrity. We also supported and contributed to VP-Shunts Program of the UP-PGH for patients with hydrocephalus; donated Christmas presents to underprivileged kids annually or to typhoon victims; and helped in building houses in Gawad Kalinga's Pinagsama Village in Taguig."

Photo shows (from left): Lei Orioste, Unang Lingap Kapwa Philippines, Inc. director; David Houchen, Children International VP for Finance; Lilet Potenciano, MSD global communications senior manager; and Becky Fuellos, Children International – Philippines Housing Foundation, Inc. chief of programs during simple turnover ceremonies at the Betty Lou Daul Center in Talayan, Quezon City.

            Founded in 1954 as Medical Assistance Programs, today MAP International (www.map.org), promotes the total health of impoverished people in over 110 countries. MAP distributes more than $300 million in donated life-saving medicines and health supplies annually. Children International is a humanitarian organization as well as a non-profit children’s organization helping children in need. It is working to create positive, lasting change for disadvantaged children in different countries around the world, including the Philippines. Children International – Philippines Housing Foundation, Inc. is the Philippine office helping to deliver immediate and lasting improvements to Filipino children and their families.