Over 200 million people in Africa suffer from the widespread tropical worm disease schistosomiasis. It is estimated that more than 200,000 die each year as a result of this chronic parasitic condition, which makes it the most common tropical disease in Africa after malaria. Schistosomiasis is widespread primarily in the tropical and subtropical areas of sub-Saharan Africa. In these regions, a vast majority of the population has no access to clean water and sanitary installations. The disease is caused by flatworms and is spread through stagnant water. People become infected by the worm larvae in the water, while bathing, fishing, playing, washing their clothes, or [...]

[...] emissions slightly. Legend: Achieved In progress Not achieved New goal Society XLS Download Goals: Praziquantel Strategic goal Action By? Status in 2011 and 2012 Status Eliminate the worm disease schistosomiasis in Africa Provide tablets containing praziquantel free of charge to treat school children in Africa Ongoing More than 100 million tablets were donated from the beginning of the project to the end of 2012. More than 28 million children were treated in total (figure not yet final; figures for 2012 will not be finalized until July 2013). In 2011 and 2012, over seven million children were treated. 2011: 25 million tablets provided to nine countries in Africa [...]

Product donations and philanthropic activities are not stand-alone initiatives. To us, they are part of a broader, holistic approach. We support awareness and education programs as well as capacity and infrastructure building in developing countries in order to ensure sustainable access to medicines as well as improved distribution and use of them. Medicine donations by Merck The Merck Praziquantel Donation Program (MPDP) is Merck's largest such philanthropic initiative. In 2007, in collaboration with WHO, Merck launched this program to combat the parasitic worm disease schistosomiasis, the second most common tropical disease in Africa after malaria. Our program [...]

[...] in terms of CR aspects; creation of the "Merck Responsible Sourcing Principles" Increase in praziquantel donations to eliminate schistosomiasis Human rights, Supplier management, Praziquantel Principle 2: Rule out complicity in human rights abuses HR1-9, SO5 Internal audits conducted on the Social Charter Human rights risk assessment Supplier management further developed in terms of CR aspect; creation of the "Merck Responsible Sourcing Principles" Compliance, Human rights, Supplier management Principle 3: Uphold freedom of association LA4-5, HR1-3, HR5, SO5 Internal audits conducted on the social charter Human rights risk assessment Supplier management further [...]

[...] we have consolidated our resources into three global lighthouse projects: Through the Merck Praziquantel Donation Program, we are partnering with the World Health Organization (WHO ) to combat the worm disease schistosomiasis in African school children. The Global Pharma Health Fund is a non-profit initiative funded by Merck to fight counterfeit medicines in developing and emerging countries. The Deutsche Philharmonie Merck is the musical ambassador of our company. 2012 11.8 million In 2012, we invested a total of € 11.8 million in corporate social engagement activities. In addition, our legal entities are engaged in local projects. We have defined criteria for [...]