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Corporate responsibility

Supporting society, people and communities in Ireland and around the world is fundamental to our long-term success.

This page provides an overview of our commitment to responsibility. Visit the links below to take a deeper dive into our corporate responsibility report.

Explore our CR site

Download ESG Progress Report

 

We run to, not from, the world’s biggest health challenges

From finding solutions for some of the world’s most debilitating diseases, to getting our medicines and vaccines to those in need and building more effective health systems, we are always on a mission to create a better world.

Our approach

Operating responsibly is at the heart of our ability to deliver sustainable impact – driving long-term value for our company and society.

Access to innovative medicines and vaccines

Barriers to access and quality care exist in many parts of the world. We have a role to play in helping to ensure our products are accessible and affordable to those in need.

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Using world-class research and science to save and improve lives

We make long-term investments in research & development and target diseases where we can make the greatest difference.

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Researching infectious diseases and developing vaccines

We are committed to addressing the global public health burden of infectious diseases.

Ebola Outbreak Field Hospital

Working with partners who share our commitment

Through partnership, investment and endless invention, we seek to overcome barriers to providing a healthier future for all.

Our most valuable resource

To harness the knowledge and insights of our diverse workforce, we take a thoughtful and strategic approach to workplace inclusion, invest in employee development, and care for their well-being - physical, emotional and financial.

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Learning & development

As inventors, we invest in learning and development because our culture centers around curiosity.

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A holistic approach to caring for our employees' well-being

Only when our employees feel their best, in all aspects of their lives, can they perform at their highest level.

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Diversity & inclusion

The dynamic force driving everything we do.

A healthy planet is essential to the sustainability of our business

As a global company, we recognise that our actions have a direct impact on our planet.

Drive efficient operations

Energy conservation, water use reduction, efficient use of raw materials and responsible waste management.

Design for environment

We deploy sustainability strategies to reduce environmental impact.

Reducing value chain impacts

We team up with our suppliers and customers to understand and minimize the life-cycle impacts of our products.

Operating with ethics, integrity and respect for human rights

As a global health care leader, our work requires us to cultivate strong relationships based on trust. This means listening to and learning from our stakeholders and communicating openly about the decisions we make and the outcomes we achieve.

Our values and standards

Our code of conduct is at the core of our character, helping us to maintain our reputation as a trustworthy company.

Human rights

We strive to detect and prevent labor and human rights abuses in our own operations and in our supply chain.

Ethical sales and marketing practices

We follow strict ethical sales and marketing practices in all our businesses.

Our impact by the numbers

88%

Percentage of the top 20 global burdens of disease targeted with our products and pipeline

42%

Management roles held by women

37.7%

Purchased electricity from renewable sources. By 2025, our goal is 100%

$2.3B

Spend with minority-, women-, veteran-, LGBT- and disability-owned suppliers

Support for patient organisations

Within MSD we work with patients and patient organisations which helps us not only improve our knowledge, but to learn and grow so we can best address the needs of people living with these diseases and conditions.

Our work with these organisations provides us with important information that allows us to understand and improve how we can support patients and help us to plan for future needs. Our work in this area is vital to allow us to continue to have an impact on the quality of patients’ lives.

 

Support to Patient Organisations 2022