15 May 2008
We are monitoring the situation in Myanmar closely. Our primary response is to provide essential medicines in times of disaster and we have donated Septrin tablets and suspension to the hospitals as there is a big need for antibacterials.
AmeriCares, one of our partners specialising in rapid-response delivery, has a consignment of medicines donated by GSK, including Amoxil, Zantac and Ceftin on standby. Our partners store donated medicines in their warehouses ready for immediate release in disaster situations.
We have also made a donation of £50,000 ($100,000) to Save the Children, a charity that has an established presence in Myanmar. Our contribution will support recovery efforts, including the provision of shelter, child protection, food and nutrition and emergency health services for over 100,000 children and their families.
Our employees who wish to make personal donations have been directed to the International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC) and the UK’s Disaster Emergency Committee (DEC) who have launched appeals to help those affected by the cyclone and we will match our US employees' donations.
We are working with other pharmaceutical companies and Non Governmental Organisations through our membership of PQMD (Partnership for Quality Medical Donations) to ensure the coordination of donations.
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