R&D Pharmaceutical Industry Moves Quickly To Provide Emergency Aid After Natural Disasters Across Asia & The Pacific

Main Category: Aid / Disasters
Also Included In: Pharma Industry / Biotech Industry
Article Date: 13 Oct 2009 - 2:00 PDT

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The research-based pharmaceutical industry represented by the IFPMA has a tradition of providing rapid, targeted emergency aid following major natural disasters. This practice has been continued following the recent series of natural disasters across Asia and the Pacific, including the earthquake in Sumatra, the tsunami which hit Samoa, American Samoa and Tonga, the typhoons which have affected the Philippines, Vietnam and Cambodia, as well as the floods in India.

IFPMA Acting Director General Michael D. Boyd said: "IFPMA member companies have already provided emergency funding and medicines worth nearly USD 3.3 million, with more still to come. This speed of response is only possible because the companies have relationships with highly experienced and professional aid groups that have been forged over many years in both emergencies and on-going health development programs. Industry contributions include funds collected spontaneously by employees, with donations being made even by those in the Philippines, some of whom were personally affected by the typhoons there."

Companies which have reported making donations of cash and/or medicines so far include Abbott, Astellas, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eisai, GlaxoSmithKline, Johnson & Johnson, Lilly, Merck & Co., Inc., Novartis, Pfizer, Piramal and sanofi-aventis. More than USD 1.1 million of the assistance has been provided in cash, the remainder in the form of targeted donations of medicines, vaccines and medical supplies.

Companies work with expert partner organizations to ensure that the assistance provided is what is needed and that it is delivered and applied effectively. Partner organizations working with member companies in the current relief operations include: ABS-CBN Foundation, the American Asia Institute, the American Red Cross, AmeriCares, Catholic Medical Mission Board, Direct Relief International, Handicap International, Heart to Heart International, Hope Worldwide, International Health Partners UK, International Medical Corps, MAP International, Medical Teams International, Mercy Relief, the New Zealand Government, Save The Children, TULIPE and World Vision. Companies are also working with a number of local NGOs, including the Kim Long Charity Clinic (Vietnam), Gawad Kalinga (Philippines), GMA Kapuso Foundation (Philippines) and Muhammadiyah (Sumatra).

Source
International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations

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