Merck has been working in the Caribbean to spur a broader private sector response to HIV and AIDS. Merck recently awarded a grant to the AIDS Responsibility Project, which, in conjunction with the Constella Futures Group, supports the creation of a national business council on HIV and AIDS in Jamaica. The project aims to reduce stigma and discrimination in the workplace and to mobilize companies to formulate specific workplace policies on HIV and AIDS, with the goal of increasing disease awareness and prevention efforts, care, counseling, testing and, if needed, treatment. The establishment of the business coalition builds upon similar efforts that Merck has supported with partners in Mexico and Venezuela. This initiative, which also receives funding from USAID, is already serving as a model for regional Caribbean efforts to mobilize the private sector to take a more active role in fighting HIV and AIDS.

In 2007, Merck and The Merck Company Foundation granted USD 36,500 to the Caribbean Coalition of National AIDS Programme Coordinators (CCNAPC), a peer-based organization working to improve national AIDS Programs in 35 Caribbean countries, committed to and Commissions. The grant is to support efforts to increase prevention and awareness. Also in 2007, Merck sponsored an exchange between Caribbean and Botswana business leaders to promote understanding of the private sector role in fighting HIV/AIDS.