We believe that our responsibilities as a corporation extend beyond our primary business. These responsibilities include the support of institutions and agencies which meet important needs of society. In helping to meet these needs, our focus has always been the advancement of scientific knowledge and education, as well as improving health care in our society.

Highlights of Merck's philanthropic and education initiatives include the Mectizan Donation Program which provides an anti-parasitic product for the treatment of river blindness in
31 countries in Africa and Latin America; partnership programs to build better foundations of HIV care, prevention, education and treatment; the Global Alliance for Vaccines Initiatives for the prevention of Hepatitis B in the developing world; and the Merck Institute for Science Education.

We also consider the responsibility to protect the environment one of our highest business priorities. In pursuing this goal, the company has set high standards in clinical testing, safety assessment and manufacturing practices to safeguard those who produce or use our products, as well as the communities in which we do business.