MSD publishes Purpose for Progress Impact Report 2025/2026
We’re building on measurable progress and announcing updated goals for 2030
August 18, 2026
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MSD’s newly published Purpose for Progress Impact Report 2025/2026 demonstrates how every action we take is driven by a singular purpose: to use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world.
We achieved our sustainability goals that were set for completion in 2025, delivering on commitments to advance health access, strengthen employee engagement and inclusion, reduce our environmental footprint and uphold responsible business practices. We’re building on that momentum with an updated set of sustainability targets.
Importantly, we’ve set an access to health goal to reach 100 million people with access solutions that close gaps in care by 2030 — driven by the dedication of our colleagues and partners to help strengthen health systems from prevention and diagnosis to treatment and ongoing care.
This goal reflects our commitment to addressing systemic barriers that delay access to prevention, limit people’s ability to start treatment or disrupt care.
“Our commitment to access to health is rooted in our purpose to help save and improve lives. This new goal reflects our ambition to close gaps in care, so more people can access timely, quality care where it is needed most.”
Rob Davis Chairman and CEO, MSD
Key takeaways from this year’s report
Access to health
Our innovative medicines and vaccines can only make a difference if they reach those who need them. We’re proud to have achieved and exceeded our access to health goals for the 2021-2025 period, with:
More than 445 million people enabled to access our innovative medicines and vaccines globally through access solutions (2021-2025) — surpassing our goal to enable 350 million people by 2025
Approximately 82 million people reached through our social investments in low- and middle-income countries and in underserved populations in high-income countries — including more than 15 million people in 2025 alone — surpassing our goal of reaching 50 million people by 2025
90% of countries reached around the world with our products in 2025, exceeding our goal of 75%
Future focus: We’re proud of our progress advancing access to health, but we aren’t stopping there. As detailed above and in the Purpose for Progress Impact Report 2025/2026, we’re building on our strong foundation by sharpening our focus on closing gaps in care — the challenges people face in receiving evidence-based, medically recommended care.
Our new goal to reach 100 million people with access solutions that close gaps in care by 2030 builds on our experience and capabilities, and is designed to deliver meaningful, measurable impact for patients and health systems over time. Implementation will be led by functions across our company, working in collaboration with external partners and stakeholders, to drive sustained impact.
Employees
MSD’s inclusive and innovative culture is key to enabling our colleagues to deliver breakthroughs for all who depend on us. In 2025, we achieved our employee engagement and inclusion goals.
In addition, our commitment to investing in the growth, success and well-being of our people is reflected in initiatives such as:
Participation of more than 28,000 employees in our employee business resource groups (as of Dec. 31, 2025), representing more than 35% of our global workforce
Access to mental health support resources available for employees in more than 80 countries
Future focus: Looking ahead, we’ll continue investing in an agile, skills-based team that’s prepared to drive our next wave of scientific innovation. Our new goal reflects a shift to a culture index that provides a more holistic view of the employee experience, reinforcing that a strong culture is an enterprise-wide priority and a foundation for innovation, resilience and long-term value.
Environmental sustainability
We’re committed to reducing our environmental footprint. In 2025, we:
Achieved our goal to source 100% of our purchased electricity from renewable energy by 2025
Achieved our 2025 operational waste goals, sending only 12% of global operational waste to landfills/incineration without energy recovery (against a 20% target) and having 64% of sites send zero waste to landfill (against a 50% target)
Achieved our 2025 water goal by maintaining use at or below 2015 levels
Reduced operational greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (Scopes 1 & 2) by 31% from a 2019 baseline and reduced Scope 3 GHG emissions by 10% from a 2019 baseline
Future focus: On our path to achieving net-zero GHG emissions across our entire value chain by 2045, we’re actively driving toward our near-term 2030 targets. This includes reducing our Scope 1 and 2 operational emissions by 46% and cutting our Scope 3 value chain emissions by 30%.
Ethics and values
Operating with integrity is the foundation of our company. Our 2025 progress included:
More than 99% of employees completed ethics and integrity training
100% compliance maintained for privacy and data protection
Future focus: Looking ahead, we’ve set new goals to ensure employees feel empowered to report concerns as we aim to maintain the highest standards of trust. For example, we’re working to achieve at least 99% global employee completion of enterprise training to ensure understanding of reporting processes and channels through 2030.
Ultimately, these milestones demonstrate that at MSD, our purpose is backed by measurable performance. As we accelerate progress toward our new goals, we remain committed to delivering long-term value for both our business and society by turning scientific innovation into sustainable global impact.
We’re proud to be recognized for our long-standing commitment to operating responsibly, including being designated by Newsweek/Statista as one of America’s Most Responsible Companies (2025, 2026) and by TIMEas one of the World’s Most Sustainable Companies (2026).
Bringing our global sustainability commitments to life requires local ownership and innovation. Across our company, teams are leading meaningful change where they work and live. For example, in Ireland, we’re taking the Emerald Isle ethos to heart with a call to “See Green, Be Green.”
See Green, Be Green is an employee-led initiative that aims to reduce our company’s environmental impact by embedding a sustainability mindset at every level of our operations.
Colleagues from six of our Ireland locations — Ballydine, Brinny, Carlow, Biotech Dublin, Dunboyne, and Red Oak North — form a core team that guides local sustainability projects built around four focus areas — carbon transition, waste and water management, biodiversity and culture.
Members of the See Green, Be Green core team in Carlow
Carbon transition
Reducing carbon emissions is critical to our company’s goal of achieving net-zero by 2045. All six of our Ireland locations involved in the See Green, Be Green program have been certified in ISO 50001, an internationally recognized standard for managing energy.
Other initiatives include installing solar panels, using electric company vehicles and transitioning from gas to electric boilers.
In Ballydine, the use of one electric boiler system is supporting an anticipated 50% reduction in Scope 1 emissions — representing a promising step on our net-zero journey, with learnings that will further inform our sustainability efforts at sites around the world.
Waste and water management
The Ireland sites send zero waste to landfills and are working on improving other means of disposal, such as recycling rather than incinerating when possible, and donating items to organizations in need.
Water management efforts include harvesting rainwater and replacing single-use water bottles and coffee cups with reusable options.
Biodiversity
All six locations involved in the See Green, Be Green program have been accredited with All-Ireland Pollinator Plan Business certifications. Initiatives include planting pollinator-friendly and native species of plants, trees and bulbs, installing bug hotels and limiting mowing to aid clover growth.
Culture
Arguably the most important part of the See Green, Be Green program is creating a culture in which everyone is empowered to act. From educational campaigns and outreach events to grow-your-own food and energy-reduction challenges, colleagues are encouraged to embrace sustainability at work, at home and in their communities.
Since the program’s launch in 2021, participating sites have been recognized locally for their leadership and innovation in environmental sustainability.
“As individuals, you can definitely make a difference,” said James Maher, engineering specialist and See Green, Be Green lead in Carlow. “But when you come together as a group, the change can be massive.”
Understanding the health risks of high LDL cholesterol
Reducing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol may lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes
August 11, 2026
What does high cholesterol mean?
Cholesterol is obtained from food and produced by the liver. It carries out several important functions in our body, including the synthesis of new cells, some hormones and substances that help digest food. There are two kinds of cholesterol: high-density lipids (HDL) and low-density lipids (LDL). Too much LDL cholesterol can pose a problem.
LDL-C, also known as bad cholesterol, is known to combine with fats and other substances leading to the buildup over time of fatty deposits, known as atherosclerotic plaques, on and within the inner walls of arteries. This may increase an individual’s risk of heart attack or stroke. People with elevated LDL-C levels in their blood have a condition called hypercholesterolemia.
Certain health conditions like type 2 diabetes and obesity, as well as behavior and lifestyle factors like smoking, eating a diet high in saturated and trans fats and lack of exercise, have been shown to increase a person’s risk for hypercholesterolemia. Other factors that increase risk include a family history of cardiovascular (CV) disease, older age and gender (women tend to have lower LDL levels than men until ~55 years of age or until menopause).
Hypercholesterolemia: a major causal risk factor for cardiovascular disease
Hypercholesterolemia is a leading contributor to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), a condition caused by the buildup of plaque within arteries, leading to narrowed or blocked blood vessels. This may result in cardiovascular events such as heart attack or stroke and continues to pose a significant health burden.
The CV epidemic
~24.1%
Adults live with hypercholesterolemia
~500M
People worldwide are affected by cardiovascular disease
~20.5M
Deaths from cardiovascular disease in 2021
Despite widespread availability of therapeutic interventions, 70% of the patients treated with lipid-lowering therapies are not achieving guideline recommended reductions in LDL cholesterol and, as a result, remain at risk for serious cardiovascular events.
“We have a proud legacy of translating science into medicines that have changed the outlook of CV disease. We continue to build on our nearly 70-year history in advancing research to help address the CV epidemic.”
Dr. Puja Banka Associate vice president, clinical research and global clinical development
Cardiovascular disease continues to be one of the most serious global health challenges. We strive for scientific excellence and are committed to advancing research for patients impacted by cardiovascular diseases.
“For nearly 70 years, our company has been developing medicines to help address the burden of cardiovascular disease,” said Banka. “Our work combines our deep expertise in scientific excellence and our strong medicinal chemistry capabilities.”
MSD’s Q2 2026 results reflect continued strength in oncology and animal health, plus increasing contributions from launches. Our company announced Q2 worldwide sales of $16.6 billion.
“We continued to make substantial progress across our business this quarter, driven by strong execution and growing contributions from new product launches,” said Rob Davis, chairman and CEO. “The FDA approval of LIPFENDRA is an exciting moment for our company and for patients. Together with key regulatory and clinical advances across oncology, HIV and immunology, this achievement reflects the strength of our pipeline and portfolio transformation as we bring forward the next wave of innovation. I am confident in the ongoing execution of our strategy as we deliver for patients and further enhance our long-term growth trajectory.”
MSD anticipates full-year 2026 worldwide sales to be between $66.3 billion and $67.3 billion.
Take a look at the infographic below for more details on Q2 2026 results.
Rebecca Goldstein applies similar problem-solving and pattern-finding skills to immuno-oncology drug discovery that she uses to create crossword puzzles in her spare time
July 22, 2026
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Rebecca Goldstein is an accomplished crossword puzzle creator, but her most challenging puzzle is the one she’s dedicated her career to solving: how to cure cancer. Working in drug discovery, Goldstein, Ph.D., finds that her passions for tackling diseases and creating crossword puzzles reveal surprising parallels.
“While seemingly significantly different, they both require ingenuity, agility and strategic critical-thinking and problem-solving skills,” said Goldstein, senior principal scientist at MSD.
She began creating crosswords in 2020 during the pandemic when her wife suggested she find a hobby. Since then, Goldstein’s published more than 300 crosswords, including in The New York Times, where she’s created nine (and counting) Sunday puzzles.
“It’s really satisfying when things make sense. In both science and crosswords, I’m trying to find those ‘aha moments,’ those times when things really come together,” said Goldstein.
“We’re trying to identify the target — a specific protein on a cancer cell — and then develop a drug-like molecule to hit that target and stop the cancer’s progression,” said Goldstein.
And while designing a crossword is much quicker, she sees similarities in the process.
Finding the patterns
For Goldstein, both science and crossword puzzles begin with pattern recognition.
“When creating a crossword, I first work on a theme, which involves looking for patterns that could connect a series of answers,” she said. “In the lab, I’m also looking for patterns — for example, how and where proteins are expressed on cells and tissues. We’ll then screen hundreds of molecular candidates to find the one that we think will hit the target best. It’s similar to sifting through hundreds of words to identify which ones fit my crossword theme.”
Iteration and refinement drive progress
Iteration is central to both pursuits for Goldstein. In research, that may mean adjusting molecules based on results of experiments. In crosswords, it means determining where to put each word, the best placement for the black squares and how to formulate a layout that makes the puzzle fun and challenging.
“At the end of the day, I want solvers to enjoy it, to feel accomplished and that their time was well spent,” Goldstein said.
Putting patients first
In the lab, Goldstein always puts patients first. It’s a mindset that was deeply embedded early in her career when some of the first molecules she helped discover proceeded to clinical trials.
“It’s humbling to realize that something you worked on has the potential to help people,” Goldstein said. “Clinical trial participants are making an important contribution for science. As scientists, we need to approach this work with a careful eye and be very good at what we do.”
Collaboration strengthens ideas and outcomes
This includes collaboration, as breakthroughs rarely happen alone.
“Having other minds and perspectives can really elevate an idea,” said Goldstein. “People have different backgrounds and areas of expertise, which are helpful in running the best experiments with the best controls.”
She said the same is true even when she has a solo crossword byline: “I’ll ask one of my fellow crossword creators questions similar to those we ask in the lab, ‘Hey, does this make sense to you? Am I stretching too far? Does it really work?’”
When it clicks: breakthrough moments
She recalls one of those times in the lab when data from multiple teams aligned: “We took the totality of the data and everything lined up. The whole thing just made beautiful sense. It was like a perfect study.”
Goldstein said crossword inspiration comes from similar “aha moments” in her everyday life — in conversation, in TV dialogue, at work and even in solving other crosswords. She builds on the moment to create a puzzle that appeals to the widest audience.
“I want to open the tent and make room for more people to come in and enjoy the puzzle — the more likely people are to find something that represents them or that they can relate to, I’m all for it,” said Goldstein.
And, in case you’re wondering, Goldstein is also an impressive crossword puzzle solver. Her personal best on a Sunday New York Times crossword is under six minutes (5:21, to be exact)!
Although it takes a lot of work to get there, Goldstein savors the moment when everything suddenly comes together.
When crosswords meet chemistry
Goldstein sometimes weaves scientific themes or words into her crosswords. In fact, the theme of her first ever New York Times puzzle was “salt shaker” and included rebuses — a word or group of letters written inside a single square — of anagrams of NaCl, the chemical name for salt.
Check out some of her latest New York Times puzzles, published June 9, June 28 and July 22.
How MSD is helping advance research with new approaches for people living with these challenging conditions
June 10, 2026
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Blood cancers develop when changes in DNA cause blood‑forming cells to grow abnormally. Instead of producing healthy blood cells that support the immune system and carry oxygen through the body, these altered cells multiply in an uncontrolled way. Over time, this can weaken the immune system and make it harder for the body to fight infection and perform essential functions.
Types of blood cancer: leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma
The most common types of blood cancer are leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Together, they account for the majority of hematologic malignancies, with over one million new cases diagnosed globally each year.
Leukemia forms in the blood and bone marrow and is caused by the rapid production of abnormal white blood cells. There are several types of leukemia, which include acute lymphoblastic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia and chronic myeloid leukemia.
Lymphoma develops in the lymphatic system, a network of organs, vessels and tissues that helps protect the body from infection. It is often classified as either Hodgkin lymphoma or non‑Hodgkin lymphoma, depending on the type of lymphocyte involved and specific cellular features.
Myeloma, also known as multiple myeloma, forms in plasma cells found in the bone marrow. Unlike cancers that first appear in one location, myeloma can occur in multiple areas of the bone marrow at the same time.
Rare blood cancers: myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS)
In addition to the previously listed more common blood cancers, there are rarer related blood cancers, such as myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Globally, the incidence of MPNs and MDS has grown significantly, escalating from 171,132 cases in 1990 to 341,017 cases in 2021. MPNs occur when the bone marrow produces too many blood cells, while MDS develops when blood cells do not mature properly and are unable to become healthy cells. The main types of MPNs include essential thrombocythemia, primary myelofibrosis and polycythemia vera.
As the number of people affected by blood cancers and disorders continues to rise, scientists at MSD are exploring innovative strategies aimed at improving outcomes for patients living with these complex and challenging conditions. These approaches focus on enhancing the body’s response to cancer, targeting cancer cells more precisely and addressing pathways that drive cancer growth.
MSD is currently investigating several potential targets for hematologic malignancies across a broad range of different disease pathways, including:
3-D depiction of ROR1 protein on a malignant B-cell
Targeting ROR1, a protein that is overexpressed in multiple hematologic malignancies
3-D depiction of BTK and PLCy2 in the BCR signaling pathway
Evaluating the inhibition of Bruton’s tyrosine kinase to address common mechanisms of resistance for patients with certain hematologic malignancies
3-D depiction of LSD1 and transcription factors ahead of histone modification
Targeting lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1), an enzyme that is potentially important for regulating the rapid reproduction of blood stem cells and the maturation of blood cells in the bone marrow
3-D depiction of BCR protein complex
Evaluating the role of the BCR::ABL novel protein in preventing white blood cells from proliferating
3-D depiction of T-cell with TCR complex and B-cell tumor cell with CD19 protein
Researching T-cell engagement for certain types of leukemia and lymphoma
“Our team is building on our legacy in oncology to understand how various mechanisms and modalities could address blood cancers in innovative ways,” said Dr. Shweta Jain, vice president, oncology clinical research, MSD Research Laboratories.
“By exploring multiple potential novel mechanisms of action across a broad range of blood cancers and disorders, we hope to help address longstanding unmet needs for patients with hematologic malignancies.”
Dr. Shweta Jain
Through ongoing studies and clinical trials, MSD is working to advance clinical research for patients living with blood cancers and disorders. Learn more about MSD’s hematology research and clinical trials.
MSD’s One Pipeline strategy: Purpose, patients and big bets on science
Our approach to drug development aims to bring together our own innovation with the best external science so we can more quickly help patients who are counting on us
June 8, 2026
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At MSD, progressing novel medicines and vaccines through our pipeline means making purposeful, long-term bets on bold science — wherever it originates. We take a science-first, therapeutic-agnostic approach, evaluating where strong science, clear patient impact and long-term value come together to deliver differentiated approaches for patients.
Pursuing science at this global scale across modalities and stages of development goes beyond our company’s internal discovery alone. Through our One Pipeline approach, our team combines our deep internal research capabilities with disciplined business development and licensing efforts to identify, evaluate and invest in the most promising external science. We apply a deliberate, long-term lens to business development — making investments that align with who we are as a company and the role we play in improving global health.
What is MSD’s One Pipeline strategy?
One Pipeline is our unified research and drug development strategy — bringing together internal discovery and external innovation to ensure we advance high-potential science.
We engage across the innovation ecosystem spanning academia to biotech and established biopharma. From early-stage engagements and venture investments to licensing and late-stage research collaborations and acquisitions, our One Pipeline approach enables us to establish a diverse portfolio, regardless of origin or therapeutic area.
Research and collaboration enable our One Pipeline approach
“Our One Pipeline strategy starts with a simple question: where do we see the greatest scientific potential, and how can we advance it for patients?” said Dr. Dean Li, president of MSD Research Laboratories (MRL). “We evaluate opportunities without bias, applying the same rigor and urgency to advance the strongest ideas wherever they come from.”
To achieve this, MRL works in lockstep with our business development and licensing (BD&L) team. “I want to emphasize how integrated BD&L is with MRL. This is hand in glove,” Li said.
How business development augments our pipeline
As one of the industry’s top investors in research and development, MSD’s scientific external innovation strategy is fueled by significant investment and disciplined decision-making and business development activity. We have a legacy of successful collaborations and are among the most active dealmakers in the biopharma industry.
Since 2021, we’ve invested over $65 billion into business development, spanning a wide range of technologies, capabilities and candidates across multiple therapeutic areas and phases of development. This sustained breadth of investment reflects our focused, science-driven approach to identifying and pursuing external innovation to strengthen and expand our pipeline.
Collaborations are critical to advancing breakthrough science
Central to our One Pipeline strategy is our philosophy of matching internal scientific rigor with strategic external investment.
“Everything here starts with scientific conviction,” said Sunil Patel, senior vice president and head of corporate development and business development and licensing. “Whether we’re advancing internal programs or collaborating externally, we focus on high-quality science — even when the path is challenging — because that’s how we deliver real-world impact for patients and society.”
Creating a sustainable innovation engine
After each business development deal, we work to ensure the external science effectively transitions into our pipeline and portfolio. By applying our clinical, regulatory and manufacturing expertise, we work to accelerate each program with speed and rigor — supporting a steady flow of novel candidates for patients depending on us to deliver the next breakthrough.
“Business development is core to our growth strategy,” said Rob Davis, chairman and chief executive officer. “At MSD, we are committed to delivering on our purpose to save and improve lives and continue to identify and secure opportunities where compelling science and value creation align.”
Where is MSD’s business development and licensing team located?
Recognizing that innovation can happen anywhere, the BD&L team scours the globe to bring in transformative science and leading‑edge technologies. They work alongside scientists within our research network and are strategically located in epicenters of innovation, including:
How scientists are harnessing the specific mutations of each person’s cancer to evaluate therapies that would be tailored to their own tumor
May 20, 2026
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Over the past decade, immunotherapy has transformed our understanding of how the immune system can be used to help fight certain types of cancer. As the treatment of cancer continues to evolve, researchers are focusing on more individualized approaches.
This includes a new area of research into individualized neoantigen therapies, which leverage information from a patient’s tumor biopsy to help develop a therapy tailored to that person’s tumor mutations.
To help improve outcomes for people living with cancer, our scientists, in collaboration with Moderna, are exploring this innovative approach designed to train the immune system to recognize and fight cancer.
What makes each person’s cancer different — and why does it matter?
Cancer develops when the body’s own cells undergo mutations that create abnormal proteins in cancer cells, known as neoantigens. These mutations are not found in normal cells and are specific to each person’s tumor. That helps explain why people diagnosed with the same type of cancer — and treated in similar ways — could respond differently.
What if the immune system can be trained to recognize each person’s cancer?
To explore the idea of one medicine for one patient, we’re evaluating individualized neoantigen therapies as a potential way to help train the immune system to identify and destroy cancer cells unique to each individual.
MSD scientists, with colleagues at Moderna, are studying this approach to deepen our understanding of how mutations vary across different cancers — insights that could help advance more personalized approaches to cancer care.
How are individualized neoantigen therapies designed to work?
To predict each patient’s mix of neoantigens, or tumor mutations, scientists analyze the genetic code of a person’s tumor cells.
The analysis helps predict which neoantigens are most likely to appear on the surface of cancer cells and which may be the most promising targets for a personalized therapy.
This tailoring could potentially allow an individualized neoantigen therapy to effectively train the immune system to find and kill specific cancer cells.
Because healthy cells don’t have cancer neoantigens on their surface, this approach may also help avoid harming healthy tissue.
“Building on our past learnings from cancer trials involving the immune system, we’re investigating a new approach to individualized cancer care based on each patient’s specific tumor mutations. No two individualized neoantigen therapies will be alike, because no two cancers are the same.”
Dr. Vassiliki Karantza AVP, global clinical development, MSD Research Laboratories
Clinical studies are ongoing to explore the safety and effectiveness of individualized neoantigen therapies when combined with other cancer treatments. There are currently no U.S. FDA-approved individualized neoantigen therapies.
MSD and City Cancer Challenge expand global partnership to strengthen women’s cancer care
This initiative aims to reach more than 300,000 women living with cancer around the world by 2030
May 15, 2026
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Millions of women around the world are diagnosed with cancer every year. Breast, cervical, ovarian and endometrial cancers accounted for nearly one in five new cancer cases and 1.3 million deaths globally in 2022. Research suggests that some of the deaths from these cancers may be avoided through a combination of effective public health policies, earlier detection and timely medical care.
At MSD, we recognize the importance of working with organizations committed to closing gaps in care for people who need it most. That’s why we’re expanding our partnership with City Cancer Challenge (C/Can) with a five-year, $10 million investment to improve cancer care for women in 15 cities around the world through community-led collaboration.
What is City Cancer Challenge?
C/Can is an international non‑profit organization that brings together public and private partners at the city level to design, plan and implement practical solutions to help address gaps in cancer care. The organization leverages the unique value of cities as enablers in a health system’s response to cancer. C/Can works with municipal leaders, health authorities, clinicians and patient groups in cities across low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), reaching over 764,000 patients with opportunities for improved quality of care.
Supporting the Thriving Cities, Healthy Women initiative
MSD has been a partner of C/Can since the organization’s founding in 2019. Building on this work, we’re investing in its new “Thriving Cities, Healthy Women” initiative to help close gaps in access to cancer screening and care for women in LMICs across Africa, Latin America, Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe.
“Too many women are diagnosed too late, receive care too late or never receive care at all. That’s not inevitable — it’s fixable. Prioritizing women and health does not only benefit women and their families, it can also be a powerful lever for stronger health systems, economic resilience and social progress.”
Isabel Mestres CEO, City Cancer Challenge
By 2030, the partnership aims to:
Reach
>300K
Reach more than 300,000 women with cancer through improved access to care
Train
>2K
Train more than 2,000 health professionals through capacity building and mentorship
Benefit
>11M
Benefit more than 11 million women through influencing policy, replication and scale-up of patient initiatives
“People should be able to access timely cancer care — no matter where they live. By partnering with City Cancer Challenge, we’re working city by city to strengthen local systems so more women can be diagnosed earlier and get the care they need close to home.”
Kalahn Taylor‑Clark, Ph.D., MPH Vice president and head of social impact and sustainability, MSD
How we’re closing the cancer care gap
Women often navigate cancer with unique responsibilities and pressures. Socioeconomic barriers, geography, caregiving demands and other factors can stand in the way of early detection and timely diagnosis. In many settings, women experience delayed referrals, unclear diagnostic pathways and long waits to access care — all of which may lead to worse outcomes.
“By investing in the health of women, we invest in stronger families, resilient communities and more productive societies.”
Jenelle Krishnamoorthy, Ph.D. Senior vice president and head of global policy and public affairs, MSD
Through our partnership with C/Can, participating cities will work toward measurable, sustainable improvements in women’s cancer care to:
Expand access to screening, as early detection may impact outcomes
Reduce the time from suspicion of cancer to confirmed diagnosis or rule-out
Increase the number of women initiating cancer care plans soon after diagnosis
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
May 11, 2026
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According to the latest available data from 2023 from the World Health Organization, a maternal death occurs almost every two minutes. Nearly 95% of all maternal deaths occur in low- and lower-middle income countries, and most could have been prevented.
If we don’t do more, mothers, daughters and granddaughters will continue to lose their lives. And their loss will impact many.
The birth of MSD for Mothers
In response to this crisis, our company created MSD for Mothers, a global initiative to help create a world where no woman has to die while giving life.
“By helping address one of the oldest and most preventable global health tragedies, we believe MSD for Mothers will have an important impact on society,” said Ken Frazier, MSD’s then-chairman and CEO, as he introduced this program at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2011.
MSD for Mothers began its mission by joining the UN and collaborators around the globe to apply its scientific and business expertise to help save women’s lives, aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 3.1 to reduce the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100,000 births by 2030. Achieving this goal would save the lives of approximately 1.4 million women between 2016 and 2030.
A sustainable model to make a difference for generations
Focused on advancing high-quality maternity care, harnessing innovations for maternal health and catalyzing solutions that respond to local needs, MSD for Mothers aims to make a difference for women and their communities now and in the future.
Women around the world die during pregnancy and childbirth for a variety of reasons, including a lack of medical supplies or inadequate health care services to address complications. Other times, it’s due to delays in seeking care or difficulties getting to a medical facility. Sometimes, women can’t afford to pay for health services. And often, women do not have information about the warning signs of potential complications or access to contraceptives to help them make their own decisions about whether or not to become pregnant.
MSD for Mothers takes a holistic approach to addressing the many factors that impact maternal health. It collaborates across sectors — working with governments, nongovernmental organizations, patient groups, professional associations, entrepreneurs, UN agencies, research institutions, businesses and even other pharmaceutical companies. The initiative also supports innovations across digital, finance, products and policy, and strives to leverage the private sector for public good. Engaging local stakeholders in designing, implementing and evaluating solutions plays an important role in creating sustainable improvements.
"We believe investing in maternal health care is a pathway to better health and stronger health systems for all."
Jacquelyn Caglia
Head of MSD for Mothers
“Working closely with our collaborators, we’re taking a holisitic approach to address the factors that impact maternal health, reflecting our company’s commitment to expanding access to health around the world,” said Jacquelyn Caglia, head of MSD for Mothers. “The impact we’ve made reflects our team’s dedication and the incredible efforts of community-based organizations globally. There’s still much to be done, which is why we’re focused on building on our learnings and scaling our impact.”
Making an impact and the ripple effect
MSD for mothers has supported 295 programs alongside 210 grantees and collaborators across 75 global sites to find, test, scale and sustain solutions to reduce maternal mortality.
167M+
More than 167 million people impacted with access to strengthened health systems
39M+
More than 39 million people reached through programs supporting safe, high quality, respectful care
952K
More than 952,000 providers with improved training
“Behind every number is a person reached via MSD for Mothers who had a safer pregnancy, a healthier birth or access to care she might not otherwise have received. That’s what drives us,” said Kalahn Taylor-Clark, vice president and head of social impact and sustainability, MSD.
And, research shows that investing in maternal health can have a ripple effect. Better maternal health care is a pathway to a lifetime of benefits, both for a woman’s own health and prosperity as well as that of her children, family, community and nation.
Infants are 15 times more likely to survive
Children are 10 times more likely to finish school
Millions of dollars are contributed by women to the economy
“When we invest in maternal health, the benefits ripple far beyond the delivery room. Women’s health is prioritized, newborns are more likely to survive, children are more likely to stay in school and women make invaluable contributions to their communities and the workforce. Health systems get stronger. Economies grow. We call this the ‘Mom Effect’,” said Taylor-Clark.
And, that’s an important impact on society for generations to come.
MSD for Mothers and PATH collaborate to identify game-changing technologies
Spearheaded by top scientists from MSD for Mothers and the global nonprofit, PATH, this unique alliance evaluated promising technologies that address the two leading causes of maternal mortality — post-partum hemorrhage (PPH) and preeclampsia — as well as family planning. This collaboration surfaced the ideas of focusing on a heat-stable uterotonic (carbetocin) to address excessive bleeding during childbirth and optimizing magnesium sulfate administration for pregnant women with preeclampsia – two initiatives that we continue to fund today.
2012
MSD for Mothers joins new global partnership — Saving Mothers, Giving Life
This public-private partnership focuses on helping mothers during labor, delivery and the first 24 hours following birth, when an estimated two-thirds of maternal deaths and almost half of infant deaths occur. With a pledge of more than $200 million, the partnership began with programs in Uganda and Zambia, where maternal mortality rates are disproportionately high.
2013
MSD for Mothers launches $10 million initiative in India
This initiative to improve access to maternal health services will reach nearly 500,000 pregnant women in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Jharkhand — all areas with high rates of maternal deaths.
Global health, development and business leaders announce new innovative financing partnership
This partnership leverages private sector funding to speed up delivery and access to life-saving health supplies, such as contraceptives, bed nets, and medicines to those in need. Through Pledge Guarantee for Health (PGH), this new financing mechanism helps increase the impact of each dollar of donor funding and ultimately improve health care access and outcomes for the millions who are helped by foreign aid.
Through the partnership, MSD and other private sector suppliers step up to provide up-front price discounts to aid recipients who utilize PGH to purchase their life-saving health supplies.
MSD for Mothers launches programs in the U.S.
The maternal mortality rate in the U.S. has nearly doubled since 1990. More than 50,000 women a year — one every 10 minutes — nearly die from severe complications they experience during pregnancy or childbirth. With an initial commitment of $6 million, these programs aim to enhance community care initiatives for high-risk women before, during and after childbirth; implement standard approaches to address obstetric emergencies; and strengthen data collection and reviews to better understand why maternal deaths occur and how to improve practices and patient care.
2014
MSD, Ferring Pharmaceuticals and WHO announce collaboration to prevent excessive bleeding in women after childbirth
MSD, Ferring Pharmaceuticals and WHO collaborate to advance a new, proprietary formulation of carbetocin to prevent excessive bleeding in women after childbirth. A primary benefit of carbetocin is its ability to remain stable at room temperature, even in hot and tropical climates, unlike oxytocin, the standard medicine administered for the prevention of PPH. Oxytocin is temperature-sensitive and requires sustained cold distribution and storage, which is difficult to achieve in many of these areas of high maternal mortality.
2015
MSD for Mothers explores digital technologies to mobilize maternal health
MSD for Mothers commits resources to invent or enhance existing solutions to tackle some of the most critical obstacles standing in the way of delivering quality maternity care and contraceptive services in low- and middle-income countries. This commitment leads to a new wave of smart, innovative apps and digital platforms – like the Safe Delivery App, mDoc, Project iDeliver, AskNivi, MomCare, Together for Her Health, among others.
MSD and MSD for Mothers help advance a new set of UN global goals
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are formally adopted at the 70th UNGA. They represent the international community’s aspirations for improving the lives of the world’s poorest people by 2030.
MSD for Mothers has now reached 5 million women worldwide through its programs
2016
Employees across the globe join the fight to end maternal mortality
Employee volunteers participate in activities such as assembling post-natal kits for soon-to-be mothers in Uganda as a means of encouraging them to seek care to support healthy pregnancies and deliveries. The kits include essential supplies to aid the health and safety of a mother and newborn after birth. This activity, among others, become annual events where employees can help amplify our impact.
MSD for Mothers’ collaborators complete their first maternity waiting home in Zambia
Maternity waiting homes — residences located near health facilities where pregnant women can stay before they go into labor — can make all the difference for pregnant women in rural Zambia, where the distance between home and a health facility can be a matter of life and death.
2017
MSD for Mothers teams up with stakeholders across India to launch Manyata
MSD for Mothers, Jhpiego India and the Federation of Obstetric and Gynecological Societies of India partnered to launch Manyata – an ambitious agenda to improve quality of maternity and newborn care services in private facilities by training doctors, nursing and administrative staff on essential clinical, facility and patient care protocols in India.
MSD for Mothers commits $10 million and business expertise to the Global Financing Facility
In support of the UN Secretary-General’s Every Woman Every Child strategy to improve maternal and child health in low- and lower-middle-income countries, the goal is to prevent an estimated 3.8 million maternal deaths, 101 million child deaths and 21 million stillbirths by 2030. MSD is the first private sector investor and helped bring other private sector investors to the table.
MSD for Mothers launches the world’s first maternal and newborn health development bond with public and private sector collaborators
The UtkrishtDevelopment Impact Bond leverages private investor capital to incentivize private maternity providers in Rajasthan, India to improve the quality of care they deliver. Interventions will reach up to 600,000 pregnant women with improved care during delivery and could lead up to 10,000 lives being saved over a five-year period.
2018
Ferring Pharmaceuticals and MSD announce completion of carbetocin clinical trial, the largest clinical trial ever conducted in postpartum hemorrhage
The trial of heat-stable carbetocin showed it to be as safe and effective as oxytocin in preventing postpartum hemorrhage, the largest direct cause of maternal death. The trial included nearly 30,000 women from 10 countries.
“This has the potential to change the paradigm in how we save more mothers from dying during childbirth,” said Dr. Julie L. Gerberding, MSD’s then-chief patient officer.
MSD announces new U.S. initiative — Safer Childbirth Cities
Through this initiative, MSD for Mothers will provide grants to help cities with poor maternal health outcomes develop and implement creative, multi-sector solutions to save women’s lives and improve maternal health.
MSD for Mothers publishes first research compendium to advance collective understanding of maternal mortality
The research compendium, Evidence for Impact, collates actionable and real-time evidence about what works and what doesn’t to expand knowledge that will help encourage greater investment in women’s health. MSD for Mothers publishes a second compendium in 2020.
2019
MSD for Mothers has now reached 10 million women worldwide through its programs
The MOMs (Maternal Outcomes Matters) Initiative launched
A partnership between MSD for Mothers, the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, Credit Suisse and USAID to stimulate, advance and scale innovations that contribute to a healthy pregnancy and safe childbirth. It will invest $50M in local businesses that are working to improve maternal health in regions of the world where high rates of women are dying from pregnancy and childbirth. (Photo credit: LifeBank)
2020
MSD for Mothers provides funding to help support the CDC’s new maternal health communication campaign, Hear Her
Hear Her brings attention to maternal mortality and provides support to pregnant and postpartum women to speak up when something doesn’t feel right.
MSD commits $3M to address maternal health needs during COVID-19 pandemic
2021
MSD announces fifth round of global grants to tackle maternal mortality and access to health worldwide
MSD for Mothers supports the corporate grant program which enables MSD offices around the world to aid nongovernmental organizations that are improving maternal health. The program responds to local women’s needs, focusing on how resources can increase health equity in maternity care and support.
MSD announces additional $150M investment through 2025 to help end maternal mortality inequities, building on the $500M commitment made in 2011
This investment comes at a pivotal time for the global health community as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to stretch health systems, disrupting networks of care that support healthy pregnancies and safe childbirth.
2022
MSD for Mothers launches Strengthening Systems for Safer Childbirth Coalitions
This global initiative is supporting locally driven solutions with coalitions across India, Kenya, Nigeria and Sierra Leone. The coalitions lead activities to improve access to high-quality maternal health care.
MSD for Mothers debuts new report examining how transformational impact can be made in maternal health
The report highlights six social investments whose solutions have demonstrated transformational impact on maternal health in different contexts — each with funding from MSD for Mothers. Learn more about the report.
MSD for Mothers supports organizations in Latin America
With a sixth round of global grants, MSD for Mothers supports organizations in Latin America, where wide disparities in maternal health outcomes persist. Through the grants, we aim to reach 135,000 women throughout Brazil, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador and Mexico.
MSD for Mothers has reached more than 30 million women around the world
Through programs promoting safe, high-quality, respectful care, MSD for Mothers has now reached more than 30 million women, surpassing its goal of reaching 25 million women by 2025. Learn more
New grants help women in southeastern Europe
Latest round of global grants supports UNICEF through innovative projects designed to meet the unique local needs of women in Bulgaria and Serbia. Learn more
2025
Expanding community-led solutions across the United States
MSD for Mothers published a four-part article series published in Health Affairs — Healthy Mothers, Healthy Futures: Improving Maternal Health in America — spotlighting the systemic challenges and proven solutions driving change across the country.
Five years of the Kenneth C. Frazier Award for Maternal Health Equity
MSD for Mothers marked the occasion by honoring organizations making extraordinary contributions to maternal health equity. Learn more
Improving maternal health across Asia
New report highlights strides that have been made in maternal health across Asia Pacific, China and Japan. Learn more
2026
New grants advance community-led maternal health solutions
As part of our company’s social impact strategy, MSD for Mothers announced a new round of grants supporting community-led maternal health solutions in communities where access to quality care remains most limited. Learn more
New report highlights impact of strengthening systems for safer childbirth
A new report detailed how six community-led coalitions across India, Kenya, Nigeria and Sierra Leone expanded access to quality maternal health services for more than 2.7 million people. Learn more
We believe solutions to end maternal mortality and improve the quality of maternity care should be rooted in women’s voices and experiences
Strategic partnerships, private sector innovation and data-driven impact
Our work continues in order to help create a world where no woman has to die while giving life
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