Merck Sharp and Dohme launches Indian maternal health scheme

Merck Sharp and Dohme has announced the launch of a new project that aims to reduce the number of women dying during pregnancy and childbirth.

Part of its global Merck for Mothers initiative, the scheme will see the pharmaceutical company partnering with three leading non-governmental organisations to improve the quality of healthcare provided to pregnant women in India through the private sector.

By allying with the Hindustan Latex Family Planning Promotion Trust, Pathfinder International with World Health Partners and the White Ribbon Alliance for Safe Motherhood with Gram Vaani, Merck will be able to help nearly 500,000 pregnant women in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Jharkhand.

Merck for Mothers is a ten-year project worth $500 million (328.38 million pounds), which was launched in 2011 with the aim of ensuring women worldwide are no longer at risk of dying from complications of pregnancy and childbirth.

Dr Naveen Rao, leader of Merck for Mothers, said: "Maternal mortality is one of the oldest and most preventable health tragedies in the world today. While India has made progress in addressing this, there is still a lot that can be done."

Earlier this month, the firm was awarded a significant portion of the Unicef human papillomavirus vaccine tender, meaning it will be provided supplies of Gardasil to help protect women in poorer nations.