The project, the largest of its kind in China, was launched with the signing of a memorandum of understanding by Wang Longde, vice minister of health, and Judy Lewent, Merck’s executive vice president, CFO and president of human health Asia.
The goal of the partnership is to develop and apply a model that joins together all aspects of HIV/AIDS prevention, patient care, treatment and support. The model is focused on providing a range of interventions including: education, counseling, testing, harm reduction, and health services, including treatment and care for people living with HIV/AIDS.
The Merck Company Foundation has committed $30 million to support the partnership over the next five years. The Government of China, through the leadership of China’s Ministry of Health (MOH), will provide resources such as staff, facilities and equipment. The MOH and Merck will introduce the program in Liangshan Prefecture, Sichuan Province starting in the fall of 2005.
Merck has already collaborated with other national governments to support the development of comprehensive initiatives in Botswana, Romania and other countries severely affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic.