Merck unveils $3 million pledge to strengthen health systems affected by COVID-19

Merck (MSD) recently unveiled a pledge to strengthen health systems affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Through Merck for Mothers, a global action to help diminish preventable maternal deaths, the company will provide three-million dollars to support health practices better the needs of pregnant women, before, during, and after delivery.

The three-million-dollar funding adds to Merck’s support for global, national, and local relief efforts.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for Merck, Kenneth C. Frazier, stated: “Our goal in establishing Merck for Mothers in 2011 was to advance the quality of maternal health care and improve access to care during one of the most critical moments in a woman’s life. That call to action for us is even stronger in the midst of the pandemic. That is why we are increasing our efforts to strengthen the capacity of our health care systems to support these women.”

Chief Patient Officer, Merck, Dr. Julie L. Gerberding, stated: “Our health systems and heroic health care providers are fully focused on COVID-19, but childbirth will not wait for the pandemic to ease. We are eager to partner with our many collaborators working to help end maternal mortality to provide enhanced care to pregnant women and new mothers at this crucial time for them and this crucial time for us as a society.”