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Sustainability

We operate responsibly every day to enable a safe and healthy future for people and communities globally. Our sustainability strategy helps us achieve our corporate purpose, positively impact society and deliver long-term business value.

Download our 2023/2024 Impact Report

Download our 2023/2024 Impact Report Summary

View our sustainability resources

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

From developing innovations for some of the world’s most debilitating diseases, to getting our medicines and vaccines to those who depend on us and helping to strengthen health systems, we’re 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

In collaboration with key stakeholders, we work to help ensure our products are accessible and affordable worldwide. Learn more about our approach to expanding access to health.

Scientist reviewing test tubes

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.

Three African women enjoying food together

Researching infectious diseases and developing vaccines

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

Doctors in hazmat suits walking through medical field operations tents

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

Our success is built on a culture that embraces different perspectives and values the contributions of each individual. We recognize that our competitiveness is strengthened by a diverse, skilled and engaged workforce.

Employee meeting

Learning & development

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

Two colleagues talking by desk

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.

Employees outside

Diversity & inclusion

The dynamic force driving everything we do.

A healthy planet is essential to the sustainability of our business

A healthy planet is essential to human health and animal health and the sustainability of our business, while also providing opportunities for product innovation and reduction in costs and risks. We have a long history of environmental stewardship and compliance, and we continuously evolve our strategy and efforts in the face of a changing climate.

Large power plant outside

Drive efficient operations

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

Birds eye view of pill bottles

Design for environment

We deploy sustainability strategies to reduce environmental impact.

Test tubes in laboratory

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

By putting our ethics and values at the foundation of everything we do, we create an accountable culture that betters our decision-making, adaptability and reliability.

Young infant girl with doctor and parent

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.

Doctor consulting elderly couple

Human rights

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

Two African men hugging

Ethical sales and marketing practices

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

Our impact by the numbers

>550M

People reached with our medicines and vaccines in 2023

>99%

Parity achieved in compensation between male and female employees, as indicated by our global pay equity study of more than 65,000 employees in 2023

$3.6B

Spending with small and diverse Tier 1 and 2 suppliers globally in 2023

2045

Target date for being net-zero across Scopes 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas emissions, aligned with guidance from the Science Based Targets initiative

The stories beyond the report

There is real word impact behind our work. Dig deeper.

View our stories

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MSD publishes 2023/2024 Impact Report

Letter from our chairman and chief executive officer, Rob Davis

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Next: MSD publishes 2023/2024 Impact Report

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Rob Davis professional solo shot

MSD publishes 2023/2024 Impact Report

Letter from our chairman and chief executive officer, Rob Davis

Read more

Next: MSD publishes 2023/2024 Impact Report

woman smiling and holding a smiling infant

MSD for Mothers: Expanding access to quality maternal care

More than a decade of strategic partnerships, private sector innovation and data-driven impact to help create a world where no woman has to die while giving life

Read more

Next: MSD for Mothers: Expanding access to quality maternal care

Inspiring diverse colleagues collaborate over innovative strategy through diversity and inclusion

Inspiring innovation through diversity and inclusion

When we bring together people from different backgrounds, the possibilities for invention are endless

Read more

Next: Inspiring innovation through diversity and inclusion

Magic Johnson speaks at MSD

Magic Johnson shares what makes him work harder

The basketball legend and businessman talked DE&I, HIV advocacy and leadership in an inspiring visit to our global headquarters

Read more

Next: Magic Johnson shares what makes him work harder

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