Established in 1958, the Merck Medical Outreach Program (MMOP) is the primary mechanism through which Merck donates its pharmaceuticals, vaccines and consumer health products for humanitarian assistance in the developing world and in support of disaster relief and emergency situations worldwide.

The MMOP, managed by Merck's Office of Corporate Responsibility, is one mechanism through which we help to expand access to medicines and vaccines, especially in the developing world. The program enables Merck to donate critical pharmaceuticals, vaccines and consumer health products to a limited number of qualified, U.S.-based, private voluntary organizations (PVOs) for use in their on-going, humanitarian programs in the developing world, and in support of major disaster relief efforts within the United States and abroad. The scope of the MMOP varies from year to year and is influenced by changing medical needs in developing countries, the quantity of Merck medicines available for donation, and the random nature of natural and man-made disasters.

Donations of Merck medicines are made primarily through six qualified PVOs: AmeriCares, Catholic Medical Mission Board (CMMB), Direct Relief International, IMA World Health, MAP International and Project HOPE. Each of these organizations has a long-standing relationship with the company, demonstrates integrity of purpose, provides assurance that Merck products will be securely warehoused and will not be diverted, mishandled or misappropriated, and has well-established programs for the ill and needy in developing countries. With these qualifications, the company, through the MMOP, maintains the controls necessary for the proper distribution and handling of Merck medicines. Merck does not provide donations of expired products or products that do not have adequate dating to allow for proper administration prior to expiration.

"Allowing PVOs to order specific medicines of their own choice enables us ultimately to get the most needed medicines to those who have the greatest need. It also enables PVOs to plan more effectively and to provide continued treatment of particular therapies. In a world where nearly half the population still lacks regular access to basic health care, let alone essential medicines, this is extremely helpful."

Jodi Allison, Account Manager of Corporate Relations at MAP International

The Merck Medical Outreach Program includes three components:

The Merck Annual Product Allotment Program

Through this program, six qualified PVOs can order fully dated medicines of their choice from the company's current product line up to an annually authorized amount. This innovative approach to donations, which ensures a sustained and predictable supply of needed medicines, enables our partners to plan more effectively for their ongoing humanitarian programs. The first program of its kind in the industry, it has served as a model for other pharmaceutical companies who have established similar programs.

Ongoing Donations of Pharmaceuticals and Vaccines

Donations of Merck's pharmaceuticals and vaccines are made in response to proposals from our partners to address the specific objectives and needs (short- and longer-term) of their programs in regions around the world. Additionally, we offer medicines and vaccines proactively to the PVOs for use in their ongoing humanitarian programs as they become available.

Disaster and Emergency Relief

Merck's Disaster Relief program is designed to provide disaster assistance during major disasters and to support efforts in preparedness and recovery. Merck's Office of Corporate Philanthropy serves as the central clearinghouse for information regarding Merck's company-wide response to major disasters and works with the Office of Corporate Responsibility to make decisions related to the company's donation of cash, as well as medicines, vaccines and/or consumer health products, through the Merck Medical Outreach Program. For more information, please click here.

In conducting the MMOP, Merck adheres to the World Health Organization's (WHO) Guidelines for Drug Donations, a set of principles established by WHO. Merck played an important role in the development of the guidelines through our involvement in the Partnership for Quality Medical Donations (PQMD), an alliance of PVOs and medical product manufacturers dedicated to raising standards of medical donations to meet the needs of underserved populations and disaster victims around the world. We also worked with the United Nations and the World Economic Forum to develop the new Guiding Principles for Public/Private Collaboration for Humanitarian Action.