Our Goal
Our goal is to develop and deliver transformative specialty medicines to patients with high unmet needs in underserved populations. We’re focused on how we can make a real difference for these patients, broadening the number of treatment options available and improving access.
In 2024, we reached around 65 million patients with our healthcare portfolio in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). We will not stop there: our goal is to create an even bigger impact by enabling access to our medicines to 80 million patients a year by 2030.
Why we’re so passionate about improving access
At least half of the world’s population lack access to essential health services and 100 million people are pushed to poverty due to health expenses.
Underserved populations in LMICs face an uphill battle as their health systems are still evolving. At Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany we are committed to addressing unmet global health needs by leveraging our core competencies, expertise, and experience throughout the global health community.
Together with our partners we’re focusing on creating meaningful patient impact. While this takes time, we remain focused on the cause.
“Two billion people worldwide still lack access to effective and affordable healthcare solutions. At Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, we set a clear focus on improving the lives of patients in low- and middle-income countries. To make sure that they get the best treatment possible, we remain committed to not only developing new medicines, but also creating sustainable access mechanisms for patients and society.”
Peter Guenter, Member of the Executive Board | CEO Healthcare
Our strategy: deeper, wider, faster
We’re committed to helping 80 million patients in LMICs by 2030 by going deeper, wider and faster to enable access in LMICs:
Going deeper through equitable pricing and health system strengthening, allowing us to use a holistic approach to reach more patient segments and treat over 80 million patients a year in LMICs by 2030.
Going wider with our innovative portfolio by increasing availability of our existing innovative products in LMICs through registration in more countries, particularly high burden LMICs.
Going faster with our future launches, shortening the gap between the first global & LMIC launches of innovative products to within 12 months after the global launch.
Our strategy is integrated across the health value chain. There is a growing consensus in the global health community and within the pharmaceutical industry that sustainable access requires an integrated approach across the health value chain to deliver complete solutions unhindered by bottlenecks.
“I believe that everyone – no matter where they live – should have access to the best healthcare possible. Our commitment to patients drive us to go deeper, wider, and faster for access in low- and middle-income countries.”
Hong Chow
Head of China & International Healthcare
Examples of Our commitment to improving access
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Early detection of cancer
Learn moreDiscover how our partnership helped reach 4.6 million people to improve awareness about the importance of early detection.
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Thyroid disorders
Learn moreLearn how our partnership with the Vietnamese Ministry of Health increased diagnosis and early treatment of thyroid disease.
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India fights back
Learn moreFind out how we partnered with the Indian employees’ state insurance company and India Railways to improve diagnosis and treatment.
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Rank 7th
Learn moreOur 7th position shows continuous commitment to improving equitable and sustainable access to high quality solutions for all.
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ACCESS TO HEALTH PITCH
Learn moreWe launched a Pitch Competition to find and accelerate solutions that address health systems gaps in LMICs.
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Sustainable supply chains
Learn moreWe strengthen access to medicines in Low- and middle-income countries by enhancing health supply chains.