We recognize that we cannot address complex public health challenges on our own; therefore, we engage in community investment to address the barriers to access where we believe we can make the strongest contribution.

Despite Merck's efforts to develop and implement effective philanthropic and business strategies to help remove barriers to access, challenges remain due to the complex and multifaceted nature of the problem. Improving access requires more than simply making our medicines and vaccines available at fair and affordable prices.

We believe that to truly address—and, ultimately, solve—the issues of access in developing and middle-income markets, the international community must pool its resources and expertise to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, ensure adequate financing for health, and help to build local healthcare capacity through training and support. Even in developed countries, challenges remain to reach groups of people that are underserved. But pharmaceutical companies alone cannot solve these public health problems. Sustainable solutions will come from comprehensive approaches that draw on the expertise of all stakeholders.