Through this program, MSD* donates pharmaceuticals and vaccines to a limited number of qualified, U.S.-based nongovernmental organization (NGO) partners for use in their ongoing humanitarian programs in developing countries, and in support of disaster relief efforts worldwide.

The scope of the program varies from year to year and is influenced by changing medical needs in developing countries, the quantity of our medicines available for donation, and the unpredictable nature of emergencies or disasters. Through the Medical Outreach Program, donations are made in response to specific requests from the NGO partners. Each NGO has a long-standing relationship with the company, demonstrates integrity of purpose, provides assurance that products will be securely warehoused, and has well-established programs in developing countries. The NGOs work with local partners, including governments, communities, and local non-profits, to assess needs and formulate appropriate responses to acute and long-term health crises.

With each participating NGO, MSD maintains agreements that follow the World Health Organization (WHO) Guidelines for Drug Donations, which establish quality-assurance standards for responsible product donations. These agreements are designed to ensure the proper distribution and handling of medicines, as well as to outline procedures for reporting potential adverse reactions.

*MSD is known as Merck & Co., Inc. in the United States & Canada