Venezuela

In 2004, sanofi-aventis and the International Union Against Cancer (UICC) launched a mobilization and awareness program called 'My Child Matters', to fight against childhood cancers in emerging countries. The objective is to encourage institutions (hospitals, NGOs, etc.) to develop pragmatic approaches to improve awareness, early diagnosis, access to care and treatment, pain control and better management of the social and cultural aspects of the disease for both children and families.

Pfizer has a responsibility to direct its resources and expertise to address the world's most enduring health challenges. Cancer is one of these challenges and Pfizer recognizes that only by working together with those who share a vision of a healthier world can we make a significant impact toward eradicating this disease that has outlived too many generations. Pfizer's Global Health Partnerships (GHP) Program is one approach it is taking to tackle the global cancer epidemic.

Onchocerciasis, or river blindness, is a leading cause of infectious blindness in the developing world. The Merck Mectizan Donation Program (MDP) was launched in 1987, when Merck & Co., Inc. announced that it would donate Mectizan (ivermectin), for the treatment of onchocerciasis to all who needed it for as long as needed.

Merck has been working in the Caribbean to spur a broader private sector response to HIV and AIDS. Merck recently awarded a grant to the AIDS Responsibility Project, which, in conjunction with the Constella Futures Group, supports the creation of a national business council on HIV and AIDS in Jamaica. The project aims to reduce stigma and discrimination in the workplace and to mobilize companies to formulate specific workplace policies on HIV and AIDS, with the goal of increasing disease awareness and prevention efforts, care, counseling, testing and, if needed, treatment.