Research-based pharmaceutical companies are contributing to emergency aid efforts for Nepal
IFPMA and its members express our deepest sympathy to people affected by the devastating earthquake that struck Nepal on 25 April 2015.
The global research-based pharmaceutical industry represented by the IFPMA is providing significant funds to relief organisations following the major earthquake. The total cash value of the first emergency responses provided so far by IFPMA members already amounts to over $1.1 million, and most of the companies and their foundations have also donated medicines and other medical supplies.
So far eighteen research-based pharmaceutical companies and national associations have already provided donations to charities (for emergency aid as well as helping meet the immediate needs of shelter, water, food, hygiene and sanitation). In addition, these companies are donating over $5.6 million of medicines (including antibiotics, anti-infective creams, anti-inflammatories, and analgesics) and other healthcare products (such as emergency medical kits, band-aids, fluids for cleaning wounds, etc.) to organizations on the ground. The first shipments have already reached Nepal and others are to follow.
To ensure that the assistance provided is appropriate and coordinated, IFPMA members are partnering with a range of expert medical and disaster relief organizations: American Red Cross, AmeriCares, British Red Cross, CARE International, Corps Mondial de Secours (CMS), Direct Relief International, Deutschland Hilft, Doctors of the World, Handicap International, Heart to Heart International, International Health Partners, International Medical Corps, Japan Platform, MAP International, Project Hope, Red Cross, Save the Children, Secouristes Sans Frontières, Swiss Red Cross, UN World Food Programme, UNICEF.
Total research-based pharmaceutical industry assistance is expected to increase further, as many companies and their foundations have also committed to match employee contributions which are still being collected.
IFPMA members continue to monitor the situation and are working with their NGO partners on the ground to evaluate what is most needed for the earthquake stricken areas.
Geneva, 4 May 2015
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IFPMA represents the innovative pharmaceutical industry at the international level, engaging in official relations with the United Nations and multilateral organizations. Our vision is to ensure that scientific progress translates into the next generation of medicines and vaccines that deliver a healthier future for people everywhere.
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