Merck Foundation

Merck Foundation. It is the philanthropic arm of the multinational science and technology company Merck KGaA. Established to build healthcare and research capacity, it focuses on improving access to equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, particularly in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The foundation's work centers on empowering people in these regions through education and training in critical medical fields.

History and establishment

The organization was formally launched in 2017, building upon a long legacy of philanthropic engagement by its parent company, Merck KGaA, which traces its origins to the 17th-century Merck family pharmacy in Darmstadt. The creation was championed by the then-Chairman of the Executive Board and Family Board, Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, and the CEO of Merck Healthcare, Belén Garijo. This institutionalization of charitable efforts aimed to create a more structured and impactful approach to addressing health and social challenges in developing countries. Its establishment aligned with global efforts like the Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations.

Mission and objectives

The core mission is to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. A primary objective is to build professional healthcare capacity, with a strong focus on Women's health, Fertility care, and the management of non-communicable diseases such as Diabetes and Hypertension. It seeks to break the stigma around infertility and empower women and girls through education. Another key aim is to support research in underserved regions and to transform the patient care landscape by training medical specialists in fields where they are critically scarce.

Key programs and initiatives

A flagship program is "**Merck Foundation More Than a Mother**," which aims to empower women suffering from infertility and to train fertility specialists and embryologists across Africa. The "**Merck Foundation Cancer Access Program**" focuses on increasing the limited number of oncologists in partner countries. Other significant initiatives include the "**Merck Foundation Diabetes and Hypertension Program**" to provide specialized training and the "**Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards**" to encourage journalists to address health and social issues. It also runs the "**Merck Foundation Alumni Network**" to foster ongoing collaboration among its scholars.

Partnerships and collaborations

The organization works closely with a wide network of partners, including First Ladies of many nations, who serve as ambassadors of its campaigns. It collaborates with international bodies like the African Union, various national ministries of health, and academic institutions such as the University of Cambridge and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Partnerships with medical societies, including the African Reproductive Care Society, and media houses across continents are crucial for implementing its training programs and advocacy campaigns.

Impact and recognition

To date, it has provided scholarships for over 1,700 doctors from more than 50 countries in critical specialties like oncology, fertility, and diabetology. Its media awards have engaged thousands of journalists, and its advocacy campaigns have reached millions. The work, particularly the "More Than a Mother" campaign, has been recognized by various governments and international forums for its contribution to changing social perceptions and building sustainable healthcare capacity in line with the World Health Organization's goals for universal health coverage.

Category:Medical and health organizations based in Germany Category:Philanthropic organizations Category:Organizations established in 2017