MERCK: EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBER OSCHMANN ELECTED PRESIDENT OF IFPMA
Presidency at IFPMA (International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations) under overarching theme of "Accelerating Access"
Darmstadt, Germany, November 4, 2014 - Stefan Oschmann, CEO Pharma and Member of the Executive Board of Merck, was elected President of IFPMA (International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations) during today's 27th IFPMA Assembly in New York, U.S.A. The term of office of Oschmann, who has been Vice President at IFPMA since 2012, runs two years. He succeeds John Lechleiter, Chairman, President and CEO of the Executive Board of Eli Lilly and Co.
"I plan to focus my presidency on 'accelerating access' to quality health solutions for people in low and middle income countries to contribute to the sustainability challenge," Oschmann said today. "Much progress has been achieved in expanding access to health in these countries but the call for 'accelerating access' demonstrates that there is still so much that needs to be done and only together can we make a lasting difference."
During his speech today Oschmann underscored the priority areas which will contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals Agenda and his overarching mandate of
'accelerating access': "Recognizing and nurturing innovation through local entrepreneurship in low and middle income countries is one of the principal ways we can contribute to accelerating access. The need for stronger health systems in these
countries and for building healthcare capacities through local empowerment is one
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area where we can also help to accelerate access. The Ebola crisis is clearly a case in point. Addressing gaps and challenges in tackling the current Non-Communicable Disease epidemic is another way we can help these countries to accelerate access and overcome the burden posed by chronic diseases."
Promoting access to health solutions, not only medicines, to underserved populations across the world is a priority for Merck and part of how Merck conducts business responsibly and ethically. Merck strives to provide comprehensive high quality health solutions to under-served populations and patients in low- and middle-income countries regardless of their ability to pay. In the 'Access to Medicine Index' Merck has made significant progress during the last years and currently ranks number eight in the world in the latest available ranking.
Notes to editors
? More information including speeches held during the 27th Assembly of IFPMA
and pictures can be found http://www.ifpmaassembly2014.org/here.
? Please find a http://www.merckgroup.com/en/company/management/executive_board/cv_oschmann.htmlCV of Stefan Oschmann.
? For more information on Merck's commitment and efforts around Access to
Health see http://www.merckgroup.com/en/responsibility/access_to_health/access_to_health.htmlhere.
? The broader perspective of Merck on corporate responsibility.
IFPMA
IFPMA represents the research-based pharmaceutical companies and associations across the globe. The research-based pharmaceutical industry's 1.3 million employees research, develop and provide medicines and vaccines that improve the life of patients worldwide. Based in Geneva, IFPMA has official relations with the United Nations and contributes industry expertise to help the global health community find solutions that improve global health.
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Merck is a leading company for innovative and top-quality high-tech products in the pharmaceutical, chemical and life science sectors. With its four divisions Merck Millipore, Merck Serono, Performance Materials and Consumer Health, Merck generated total revenues of ? 11.1 billion in 2013. Around 39,000
Merck employees work in 66 countries to improve the quality of life for patients, to further the success of customers and to help meet global challenges. Merck is the world's oldest pharmaceutical and chemical
company - since 1668, the company has stood for innovation, business success and responsible entrepreneurship. Holding an approximately 70% interest, the founding family remains the majority owner of the company to this day. Merck, Darmstadt, Germany is holding the global rights to the Merck name and brand. The only exceptions are Canada and the United States, where the company is known as Merck
KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany.