Merck, a global healthcare leader announces a grant of $500,000 to the Center for International Cooperation in Health and Development (CCISD), based in Quebec City. This donation is part of Merck for Mothers Global Giving Program which aims to support philanthropic organizations that are dedicated to improving maternal health. Approximately 20 projects were chosen around the world, including CCISD which will be directing the funds towards a maternal health project targeting the Artibonite communities of Anse Rouge, Terre Neuve and Ennery in Haiti.

"We are very pleased to be supporting CCISD's new program aimed at strengthening maternal health services in Haiti," said Cyril Schiever, President and Managing Director of Merck Canada Inc. "CCISD does impressive work around the world promoting both primary care and women's health [...]"

Starting in January 2013, they will direct the Merck for Mothers grant to a project complementary to their "Integrated Management of Maternal and Child Health" program, also known as PRISMA "Haiti has the highest maternal mortality rate in the northern hemisphere1. Funding to provide access to services and medical supplies is essential to help save lives in this country," said Robert Beaudry, Executive Director of CCISD. "Of all those burdened with the lack of access to proper healthcare, some of the saddest stories are about the preventable deaths of mothers and newborns."

According to Martine Bernier, Project Director of the PRISMA program in Haiti, "Only in the intervention area of the project that will be supported by the Merck for Mothers grant, over 1,600 women become pregnant every year. The cost and accessibility of prenatal and delivery services can be huge obstacles to Haitian mothers. This much-needed donation will help provide better access to services and, ultimately, lower the complications and mortality rates of women and newborns [...]"

Photo : Jennifer Chan, Vice-President, Communications and Policy, Merck Canada; Robert Beaudry, Executive Director, CCISD and Martine Bernier, Project Director of the PRISMA program in Haiti.

HL/ HaitiLibre