Merck and its foundation arm announced on Tuesday an additional $10 million commitment to support COVID-19 relief efforts.
The Kenilworth-based drugmaker said with this commitment, it has contributed more than $30 million to help address health inequalities in underserved and vulnerable communities.
“COVID-19 is an unprecedented challenge for the global community. At Merck, we are working to support patients, health care professionals and communities across the world in the fight against this disease,” Dr. Julie L. Gerberding, chief patient officer, Merck, said. “This new commitment will help advance health equity and address social determinants of health in our most vulnerable communities and patient populations.”
Merck said to date, support has included donations of medicine and protective personal equipment for health care workers, and funding relief organizations. Through Merck for Mothers, it launched $3 million global initiative to help health systems battling the coronavirus better meet the needs of pregnant women.
