Merck Proposes the Creation of a Global Alliance for the Elimination of Schistosomiasis
Merck proposed the creation of a global alliance to help the World Health Organization (WHO) achieve its goal of eliminating schistosomiasis worldwide in Geneva.
Merck is committed to helping WHO to eliminate the worm disease schistosomiasis in Africa. As an important part of its responsible entrepreneurship, the company launched the Merck Praziquantel Donation Program in 2007. Praziquantel is well tolerated and the most effective treatment to date for schistosomiasis. Since then, more than 38 million children have been treated and over 160 million tablets have been donated.
While other neglected tropical diseases have demonstrated the value of inclusive alliances, as of today no alliance for schistosomiasis yet exists. “We see this initiative as a major development,” said Oschmann. “This alliance will allow the different constituencies to engage in a coordinated approach to best address the challenges on how to meet the elimination target.” Merck will work with WHO and partners to define the appropriate structure of this alliance to ensure its pragmatic operational functionality.
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