Romania and Merck:     A Synergistic Partnership     Merck’s first initiative in building a public/private partnership to fight HIV/AIDS occurred in the Eastern European nation of Romania, where nearly 8,700 people are infected with the deadly disease. Merck’s involvement started in 1997 with a $40,000 donation to establish a National AIDS Database enabling physicians to gauge the scope of the epidemic and to track progress in combating it. Encouraged by the active commitment of the Romanian government to combat the disease, Merck followed up with sponsorship of National AIDS Treatment Guidelines for the Romanian people. Last year, we donated $1 million toward the establishment of a network of regional HIV/AIDS treatment centers in Bucharest and other major cities. Equipped with leading-edge technology, these regional facilities serve as centers of excellence for the 40 local-level clinics throughout the country.     This initiative shows that with clear government commitment and appropriately focused resources from industry, the public and private sectors can work together to both counter the spread of HIV/AIDS and improve the lives of people living with it. Back to Access

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