{"id":3672856,"date":"2025-10-07T10:59:32","date_gmt":"2025-10-07T14:59:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/?post_type=story&#038;p=3672856"},"modified":"2025-10-07T11:05:37","modified_gmt":"2025-10-07T15:05:37","slug":"hiv-community-advocates-spark-a-global-conversation","status":"publish","type":"story","link":"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/stories\/hiv-community-advocates-spark-a-global-conversation\/","title":{"rendered":"HIV community advocates spark a global conversation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div id=\"mco-f1-article-hero-block_38dd7aedb343a112e032d7dc3b9152be\" class=\"mco-f1-article-hero mccberg-block\">\n    <div class=\"mco-f1-article-hero-content-container\">\n        \n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/content_topic\/health-awareness\/\">\n                    <small class=\"tagline\">Health awareness<\/small>\n                <\/a>\n            \n        \n                    <h1>\n                HIV community advocates spark a global conversation\n            <\/h1>\n                            <p>Meet three HIV advocates who are using their stories to uplift, spark change, and create spaces of healing and hope across continents<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"mco-f1-article-hero-date-container\">\n                    <p class=\"mco-f1-article-hero-date text-descriptive\">October 7, 2025<\/p>\n                <div class=\"mco-f1-article-share-btn-container\">\n                            <p class=\"text-descriptive\">Share this article<\/p>\n                                        <p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer\/sharer.php?u=https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/stories\/hiv-community-advocates-spark-a-global-conversation\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Share on Facebook\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\">\n    <path fill=\"#00857C\" fill-rule=\"nonzero\" d=\"M6.023 16L6 9H3V6h3V4c0-2.7 1.672-4 4.08-4 1.153 0 2.144.086 2.433.124v2.821h-1.67c-1.31 0-1.563.623-1.563 1.536V6H13l-1 3H9.28v7H6.023z\" \/>\n<title>Facebook icon<\/title><\/svg>\n<\/a><\/p>\n                <p><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=https%3A%2F%2Fvip2-msd.com%2Fmerckcom-migrated%2Fstories%2Fhiv-community-advocates-spark-a-global-conversation%2F HIV community advocates spark a global conversation\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Share on X\">\n<!-- Generator: Adobe Illustrator 27.7.0, SVG Export Plug-In . SVG Version: 6.00 Build 0)  -->\n<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\">\n\n\t.st0{fill:#00857C;}\n\n<path class=\"st0\" fill=\"#00857C\" d=\"M9.5,6.8l5.7-6.6h-1.4L8.8,6l-4-5.8H0.3l6,8.7l-6,7h1.4l5.2-6.1l4.2,6.1h4.6L9.5,6.8L9.5,6.8z M7.6,9L7,8.1\n\tL2.2,1.2h2.1l3.9,5.6l0.6,0.9l5.1,7.3h-2.1L7.6,9L7.6,9z\" \/>\n<title>X icon<\/title><\/svg>\n<\/a><\/p>\n                <p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/sharing\/share-offsite\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fvip2-msd.com%2Fmerckcom-migrated%2Fstories%2Fhiv-community-advocates-spark-a-global-conversation%2F\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Share on LinkedIn\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\">\n    <path fill=\"#00857C\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M15.205 0H.695C.299 0 0 .3 0 .7v14.7c0 .3.298.6.696.6h14.608c.398 0 .696-.3.696-.7V.7c-.1-.4-.398-.7-.795-.7zM4.671 13.6H2.385V6H4.77v7.6h-.1zM3.578 5c-.795 0-1.392-.7-1.392-1.4 0-.8.597-1.4 1.392-1.4.795 0 1.39.6 1.39 1.4-.098.7-.695 1.4-1.39 1.4zm9.938 8.6H11.13V9.9c0-.9 0-2-1.192-2-1.193 0-1.391 1-1.391 2v3.8H6.16V6h2.286v1c.298-.6 1.093-1.2 2.187-1.2 2.385 0 2.782 1.6 2.782 3.6v4.2h.1z\" \/>\n<title>Linkedin icon<\/title><\/svg>\n<\/a><\/p>\n                <p><a href=\"mailto:?subject=HIV community advocates spark a global conversation&#038;body=https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/stories\/hiv-community-advocates-spark-a-global-conversation\/ Meet three HIV advocates who are using their stories to uplift, spark change, and create spaces of healing and hope across continents\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Share via email\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\">\n    <path fill=\"#00857C\" fill-rule=\"nonzero\" d=\"M16 5.7V14c0 .6-.4 1-1 1H1c-.6 0-1-.4-1-1V5.7l7.5 4.2c.28.14.72.14 1 0L16 5.7zM15 1c.6 0 1 .4 1 1v1.5L8 7.9 0 3.4V2c0-.6.4-1 1-1z\" \/>\n<title>Email icon<\/title><\/svg>\n<\/a><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"mco-f1-article-hero-image-container\">\n        <div class=\"mco-f1-article-image-parent mco-f1-article-hero-toggle-btn\">\n                            <figure class=\"mccberg-figure\">\n                    <picture>\n                        <source\n                            media=\"(max-width: 767px)\"\n                            srcset=\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/152\/2025\/10\/Merck_GlobalHIVVoices_Advocate-Thumbnail-16x9-UPDATED.png?w=321 1x,\n                    https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/152\/2025\/10\/Merck_GlobalHIVVoices_Advocate-Thumbnail-16x9-UPDATED.png?w=642 2x,\n                    https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/152\/2025\/10\/Merck_GlobalHIVVoices_Advocate-Thumbnail-16x9-UPDATED.png?w=963 3x\">\n                        <source\n                            media=\"(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1199px)\"\n                            srcset=\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/152\/2025\/10\/Merck_GlobalHIVVoices_Advocate-Thumbnail-16x9-UPDATED.png?w=656 1x,\n                    https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/152\/2025\/10\/Merck_GlobalHIVVoices_Advocate-Thumbnail-16x9-UPDATED.png?w=1312 2x,\n                    https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/152\/2025\/10\/Merck_GlobalHIVVoices_Advocate-Thumbnail-16x9-UPDATED.png?w=1968 3x\">\n                        <source\n                            media=\"(min-width: 1200px)\"\n                            srcset=\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/152\/2025\/10\/Merck_GlobalHIVVoices_Advocate-Thumbnail-16x9-UPDATED.png?w=1188 1x,\n                    https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/152\/2025\/10\/Merck_GlobalHIVVoices_Advocate-Thumbnail-16x9-UPDATED.png?w=2376 2x,\n                    https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/152\/2025\/10\/Merck_GlobalHIVVoices_Advocate-Thumbnail-16x9-UPDATED.png?w=3564 3x\">\n                        <img decoding=\"async\"\n                            src=\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/152\/2025\/10\/Merck_GlobalHIVVoices_Advocate-Thumbnail-16x9-UPDATED.png?w=1188\"\n                            srcset=\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/152\/2025\/10\/Merck_GlobalHIVVoices_Advocate-Thumbnail-16x9-UPDATED.png?w=1188 1x,\n                    https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/152\/2025\/10\/Merck_GlobalHIVVoices_Advocate-Thumbnail-16x9-UPDATED.png?w=2376 2x,\n                    https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/152\/2025\/10\/Merck_GlobalHIVVoices_Advocate-Thumbnail-16x9-UPDATED.png?w=3564 3x\"\n                            alt=\"three people smiling\"\n                            loading=\"eager\" fetchpriority=\"high\"\n                        \/>\n                    <\/picture>\n\n                                    <\/figure>\n            \n                                            <div class='mco-f1-article-hero-block-play-button btn-play youtube'><\/div><div class='mco-f1-article-hero-block-video-type' style='display: none;'>youtube<\/div><div class='mco-f1-article-hero-block-youtube-id' style='display: none;'>qq84SPU8HSk<\/div><div class='mco-f1-article-hero-block-brightcove-info' style='display: none;'>:<\/div><div class='mco-f1-article-hero-block-video-accesible-name' style='display: none;'><\/div>                                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n            <div class=\"mco-f1-article-hero-modal popup\" style=\"display: none;\">\n            <div class=\"popup-wrapper\">\n                <div class=\"mco-f1-article-hero-modal-content popup-content\">\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Around the world, HIV advocates are working tirelessly to confront stigma, alleviate loneliness and empower people living with HIV through education, community building and storytelling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Isaac Ogunkola, Erika Castellanos and Nesrine Rizk exemplify how compassionate advocacy can transform lives. Their work reminds us that even the smallest action \u2014 whether it\u2019s sharing a story, offering support or educating just one person \u2014 can spark meaningful change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Above, watch them reflect on their work and read on to learn more about each advocate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Isaac Ogunkola: Empowering the next generation of HIV advocates<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Isaac Ogunkola didn\u2019t set out to be a voice for the HIV community. When he began working with young refugees and local children in Nigeria, the goal was to teach reading and writing. After learning some of them were living with HIV, he reflected on the experience of watching family members die from preventable diseases and decided he would pursue public health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ogunkola\u2019s organization connects youth to clinics for testing and treatment of HIV, preventive education and harm reduction services. \u201cPeople living with HIV face many challenges, and my work is about connecting them to medical services and fostering environments where they can live safely and with dignity,\u201d Ogunkola said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>His biggest impact has been through the development of a peer education program for refugee settlements in West Africa. By training 35 young refugees as educators and advocates, they\u2019ve been able to reach 2,000 other refugees with testing and prevention services. These peer advocates help combat stigma by creating a safe space to discuss topics related to HIV transmission, like sex and drug use, that are often stigmatized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2160\" height=\"2160\" src=\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/152\/2025\/09\/MERCK_HIV-Advocacy_Isaac_v1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3673563\"\/><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<h3 style=\"color: #00857C;\">\u201cThe peer educators can continue the training while I&#8217;m no longer in the settlements. Seeing that the project is self-sustaining, that is success for me.\u201d<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Isaac Ogunkola<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Although Ogunkola\u2019s advocacy journey has expanded beyond the grassroots level to working with governments and policymakers, he&#8217;s still passionate about the power of individuals to make a difference, especially young people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe can tap into the strength of young people,\u201d he said. \u201cWe can push young people to be stakeholders in the implementation of these projects right from the beginning and throughout the life of the projects.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Erika Castellanos: The joyful warrior<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Erika Castellanos first encountered the devastation of the HIV epidemic while volunteering at a hospice in Mexico in the early 1990s. As a transgender woman from a small town in Belize, Castellanos understood what it felt like to be stigmatized by her community. So, when she noticed hospice patients with HIV who had been abandoned by their relatives, she stepped in to hold their hands and read them books, making sure they knew they weren&#8217;t alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 1995, Castellanos contracted HIV and was told she\u2019d have just six months to live. She\u2019s grateful to have survived that moment, and it was an unexpected encounter with another woman living with HIV at that time that inspired Castellanos to become an advocate herself. This other woman was always cheerful and good-humored about her condition despite her difficult prognosis, which puzzled Castellanos \u2014 until she decided to try and do the same. She realized that by embracing her own diagnosis and speaking openly about living with HIV, she could empower others.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"450\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/152\/2025\/09\/MERCK_HIV-Advocacy_Erika_v1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3673564\"\/><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<h3 style=\"color: #00857C;\">\u201cIt felt good to be able to laugh again,\u00a0even about the things we were struggling with. If I want to do anything in life, I want to make someone else smile.\u201d<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Erika Castellanos<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Over the past three decades, Castellanos has advocated for a better quality of life for people living with HIV and the LGBTQ+ community worldwide. She now lives in the Netherlands with her husband and two children, where she runs an organization that advances equality for the transgender and gender diverse communities.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even as the challenges facing these communities have changed, the most important part of her advocacy work has always been sharing positivity with others.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;Living with HIV is not just about managing the virus, but also about managing the judgment and prejudice that comes with it,\u201d she said.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Castellanos emphasizes the importance of sharing stories to combat loneliness and stigma. \u201cDon\u2019t be shy,\u201d she urges. \u201cSpeak out. Share your stories. Someone else will hear your message and no longer feel alone.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Nesrine Rizk: Bridging medicine and social science in HIV care&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Dr. Nesrine Rizk believes medicine is not just a science, but also a social discipline, especially when treating people with infectious diseases like HIV.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cBecause of its history and transmission route, HIV is deeply intertwined with cultural norms, stigma and how people live and interact,\u201d said Rizk, who practices in Lebanon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Rizk advocates for comprehensive education of health care providers and the public, policy reform and community engagement to dismantle stigma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cStigma will impact the ability of a person to access prevention methods, stigma will impact an individual&#8217;s access to HIV health care, and stigma will affect treatment and adherence to therapy,\u201d she said. &#8220;Stigma creates barriers to accessing prevention, care and treatment, and can lead to late diagnosis and increased mortality. It impacts their quality of life profoundly.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In Rizk&#8217;s region, access to condoms can be limited, at-home testing is often unavailable and patients sometimes feel compelled to hide their medication from loved ones. These additional barriers to care have, in part, contributed to the region\u2019s steep rise in new infections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Rizk believes physicians should normalize discussions about sexual health and HIV in primary care settings, just as providers would address cholesterol or blood pressure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/152\/2025\/10\/MERCK_HIV-Advocacy_Nesrine_K1_04_ColorCorrected_1x1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3675342\"\/><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<h3 style=\"color: #00857C;\">\u201cThe bond between providers and people living with HIV is unique,&#8221; she said. \u201cBeing present to support patients throughout their life journey is essential.\u201d<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Nesrine Rizk<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>These stories are a powerful reminder that HIV advocacy is not just about HIV \u2014 it\u2019s about humanity. Through empathy, courage and connection, individuals like Ogunkola, Castellanos and Rizk show us that change often begins with one person making the effort to care. Whether by listening, sharing or simply standing beside someone on their journey, we all have the power to make a difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"mco-f3-more-stories-block-block_db73650d7e094ca6ba2a241e39719c0e\" class=\"mco-f3-more-stories-block negative mccberg-block\">\n    <div class=\"mco-f3-stories-container\">\n        <small class=\"tagline\">Discover more stories<\/small>                    <div class=\"mco-f3-stories-slider-container\">\n                                                        <div class=\"mco-f3-story\">\n                        <p><a href=\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/stories\/5-historical-designations-highlight-groundbreaking-scientific-achievements\/\">5 historical designations highlight groundbreaking scientific achievements<\/a><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                                                        <div class=\"mco-f3-story\">\n                        <p><a href=\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/stories\/this-red-chair-is-a-reminder-that-patients-cant-wait\/\">This red chair is a reminder that patients can&#8217;t wait<\/a><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                                                        <div class=\"mco-f3-story\">\n                        <p><a href=\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/stories\/were-helping-build-a-brighter-future-for-maternal-health-in-america\/\">We&#8217;re helping build a brighter future for maternal health in America<\/a><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                                            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"mco-f3-stories-slider-controls-container slider-nav\">\n                                    <div class='slider-nav-item active'><\/div>\n                                    <div class='slider-nav-item '><\/div>\n                                    <div class='slider-nav-item '><\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"mco-f3-content-container\">\n            <a class=\"btn secondary\" href=\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/stories\/\">View all stories<\/a>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Around the world, HIV advocates are working tirelessly to confront stigma, alleviate loneliness and empower people living with HIV through education, community building and storytelling. Isaac Ogunkola, Erika Castellanos and Nesrine Rizk exemplify how compassionate advocacy can transform lives. Their work reminds us that even the smallest action \u2014 whether it\u2019s sharing a story, offering [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":3675376,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"bdl_company_name":[],"bdl_item_external_link":[],"inpsyde_pem_expiration_date":[],"inpsyde_pem_expiration_action":[],"footnotes":""},"tags":[134,320,262],"content_topic":[4],"admin_field":[],"class_list":["post-3672856","story","type-story","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-hiv","tag-hiv-voices","tag-infectious-diseases","content_topic-health-awareness"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v21.9.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>HIV community advocates spark a global conversation - Merck.com<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/stories\/hiv-community-advocates-spark-a-global-conversation\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"HIV community advocates spark a global conversation - Merck.com\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Around the world, HIV advocates are working tirelessly to confront stigma, alleviate loneliness and empower people living with HIV through education, community building and storytelling. Isaac Ogunkola, Erika Castellanos and Nesrine Rizk exemplify how compassionate advocacy can transform lives. Their work reminds us that even the smallest action \u2014 whether it\u2019s sharing a story, offering [&hellip;]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/stories\/hiv-community-advocates-spark-a-global-conversation\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Merck.com\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-10-07T15:05:37+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/152\/2025\/10\/Merck_GlobalHIVVoices_Advocate-Thumbnail-16x9-UPDATED.png?w=1024\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1024\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"576\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"6 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/stories\/hiv-community-advocates-spark-a-global-conversation\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/stories\/hiv-community-advocates-spark-a-global-conversation\/\",\"name\":\"HIV community advocates spark a global conversation - Merck.com\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/#website\"},\"datePublished\":\"2025-10-07T14:59:32+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-10-07T15:05:37+00:00\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/stories\/hiv-community-advocates-spark-a-global-conversation\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/stories\/hiv-community-advocates-spark-a-global-conversation\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/stories\/hiv-community-advocates-spark-a-global-conversation\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Stories\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/stories-archive\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"HIV community advocates spark a global conversation\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/\",\"name\":\"Merck.com\",\"description\":\"Just another vip-msd.com site\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":\"required name=search_term_string\"}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"HIV community advocates spark a global conversation - Merck.com","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/stories\/hiv-community-advocates-spark-a-global-conversation\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"HIV community advocates spark a global conversation - Merck.com","og_description":"Around the world, HIV advocates are working tirelessly to confront stigma, alleviate loneliness and empower people living with HIV through education, community building and storytelling. Isaac Ogunkola, Erika Castellanos and Nesrine Rizk exemplify how compassionate advocacy can transform lives. Their work reminds us that even the smallest action \u2014 whether it\u2019s sharing a story, offering [&hellip;]","og_url":"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/stories\/hiv-community-advocates-spark-a-global-conversation\/","og_site_name":"Merck.com","article_modified_time":"2025-10-07T15:05:37+00:00","og_image":[{"url":"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/152\/2025\/10\/Merck_GlobalHIVVoices_Advocate-Thumbnail-16x9-UPDATED.png?w=1024","width":1024,"height":576,"type":"image\/png"}],"twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Est. reading time":"6 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/stories\/hiv-community-advocates-spark-a-global-conversation\/","url":"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/stories\/hiv-community-advocates-spark-a-global-conversation\/","name":"HIV community advocates spark a global conversation - Merck.com","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/#website"},"datePublished":"2025-10-07T14:59:32+00:00","dateModified":"2025-10-07T15:05:37+00:00","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/stories\/hiv-community-advocates-spark-a-global-conversation\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/stories\/hiv-community-advocates-spark-a-global-conversation\/"]}]},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/stories\/hiv-community-advocates-spark-a-global-conversation\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Stories","item":"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/stories-archive\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"HIV community advocates spark a global conversation"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/#website","url":"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/","name":"Merck.com","description":"Just another vip-msd.com site","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":"required name=search_term_string"}],"inLanguage":"en-US"}]}},"acf":[],"extended_data":{"featured_image":"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/152\/2025\/10\/Merck_GlobalHIVVoices_Advocate-Thumbnail-16x9-UPDATED.png?w=1024","acf_fields":{"scroll-to-top":false,"show_image_captions":false,"page_text_direction_selection":"ltr","show_section":true,"related_content_section_heading":"","heading_level":"","story_one_selection":"select","related_content_item_one":{"ID":50628,"post_author":"183","post_date":"2020-03-16 20:29:55","post_date_gmt":"2020-03-16 20:29:55","post_content":"<!-- wp:acf\/hero-block {\"name\":\"acf\/hero-block\",\"data\":{\"mco_hero_block_tagline_text\":\"\",\"_mco_hero_block_tagline_text\":\"mco_hero_block_tagline_text\",\"mco_hero_block_ttle\":\"Patients\",\"_mco_hero_block_ttle\":\"mco_hero_block_title\",\"mco_hero_block_description\":\"We're here to help you get the information you need to guide you on your health journey.\",\"_mco_hero_block_description\":\"mco_hero_block_description\",\"mco_hero_block_image_url\":690542,\"_mco_hero_block_image_url\":\"mco_hero_block_image_url\",\"mco_hero_block_primary_image_alt\":\"\",\"_mco_hero_block_primary_image_alt\":\"mco_hero_block_primary_image_alt_text\",\"mco_hero_block_image_small_url\":\"\",\"_mco_hero_block_image_small_url\":\"mco_hero_block_image_small_url\",\"mco_hero_block_secondary_image_alt\":\"\",\"_mco_hero_block_secondary_image_alt\":\"mco_hero_block_secondary_image_alt_text\",\"mco_hero_block_button_cta\":\"\",\"_mco_hero_block_button_cta\":\"mco_hero_block_button_cta\",\"video_hosting_selection\":\"select\",\"_video_hosting_selection\":\"hero_video_type\"},\"mode\":\"edit\"} \/-->\n\n<!-- wp:acf\/title-block {\"name\":\"acf\/title-block\",\"data\":{\"title\":\"Our commitment to the patient community\",\"_title\":\"mco_title_block_title\",\"description\":\"We work hard to discover and develop medicines and vaccines that help fight some of the world's most serious health concerns. And it's critical that we understand, respect and honor the life experiences of patient communities \u2014 your voice is important to us. That\u2019s why we listen to patients and take into account your opinions and perspectives when making business and research decisions.\\r\\n\\r\\n\\u0026nbsp;\\r\\n\\r\\n\\u0026nbsp;\",\"_description\":\"mco_title_block_description\",\"content_label\":\"\",\"_content_label\":\"mco_title_block_content_label\",\"cta_one\":\"\",\"_cta_one\":\"mco_title_block_cta_one\",\"cta_two\":\"\",\"_cta_two\":\"mco_title_block_cta_two\",\"image\":\"\",\"_image\":\"mco_title_block_image\"},\"align\":\"center\",\"mode\":\"edit\",\"className\":\"mt-2 mb-2\"} \/-->\n\n<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">We put patients at the center of everything we do<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>We encourage patient communities to become their own health advocates, make informed decisions and be partners in engaging with the health care system.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:acf\/content-block {\"name\":\"acf\/content-block\",\"data\":{\"negative_style\":\"0\",\"_negative_style\":\"content_block_negative\",\"content_selection\":\"static\",\"_content_selection\":\"content_selction_method\",\"content_block_image\":737196,\"_content_block_image\":\"content_block_image\",\"content_block_heading\":\"We're guided by our values\",\"_content_block_heading\":\"content_block_heading\",\"content_block_body\":\"\\u0026nbsp;\\r\\n\\u003cul\\u003e\\r\\n \\t\\u003cli\\u003ePatients first\\u003c\/li\\u003e\\r\\n \\t\\u003cli\\u003eInnovation and scientific excellence\\u003c\/li\\u003e\\r\\n \\t\\u003cli\\u003eEthics and integrity\\u003c\/li\\u003e\\r\\n \\t\\u003cli\\u003eRespect for people\\u003c\/li\\u003e\\r\\n\\u003c\/ul\\u003e\",\"_content_block_body\":\"content_block_body\",\"content_block_cta\":\"\",\"_content_block_cta\":\"content_block_cta\",\"content_block_optional_cta\":\"\",\"_content_block_optional_cta\":\"content_block_optional_cta\",\"content_block_optional_tag\":\"\",\"_content_block_optional_tag\":\"content_block_optional_tag\",\"content_block_video\":\"\",\"_content_block_video\":\"content_block_video\",\"content_media_position\":\"right\",\"_content_media_position\":\"content_media_position\",\"brightcove_account_id\":\"\",\"_brightcove_account_id\":\"bright_cove_account_id\"},\"mode\":\"edit\",\"className\":\"mt-2 mb-2\"} \/-->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">We may be able to help<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:columns -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns mco-columns-wrapping\"><!-- wp:column -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\"><!-- wp:image {\"id\":3648459,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img src=\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/152\/2024\/05\/iStock-1446916058.jpg?w=1024\" alt=\"Senior woman filling out financial statements\" class=\"wp-image-3648459\"\/><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4} -->\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do you need help paying for your medications?<\/h4>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>We understand that many things can add to the stress of medical treatment. If you're unable to afford your prescribed medications, we may be able to help. See what programs are available to eligible patients in the U.S. <\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><a class=\"btn\" href=\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/patients\/patient-support-programs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Patient support programs<\/a><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:column -->\n\n<!-- wp:column -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\"><!-- wp:image {\"id\":3648460,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img src=\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/152\/2024\/05\/iStock-1491058737.jpg?w=1024\" alt=\"Female doctor listening symptom of senior patient and taking notes\" class=\"wp-image-3648460\"\/><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4} -->\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Helping you play an active role in your health care<\/h4>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Taking care of your health and medicines can seem overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Explore tips and information to help you play an active role in your health care.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><a class=\"btn\" href=\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/patients\/play-an-active-role-in-your-health-care\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Play an active role in your health care<\/a><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:column --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:columns -->\n\n<!-- wp:acf\/content-block {\"name\":\"acf\/content-block\",\"data\":{\"negative_style\":\"1\",\"_negative_style\":\"content_block_negative\",\"content_selection\":\"static\",\"_content_selection\":\"content_selction_method\",\"content_block_image\":3624031,\"_content_block_image\":\"content_block_image\",\"content_block_heading\":\"Interested in joining a clinical trial?\",\"_content_block_heading\":\"content_block_heading\",\"content_block_body\":\"Clinical trials help identify potential new treatments to improve people\u2019s health and save lives.\",\"_content_block_body\":\"content_block_body\",\"content_block_cta\":{\"title\":\"Learn more\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/research\/clinical-trials\/\",\"target\":\"\"},\"_content_block_cta\":\"content_block_cta\",\"content_block_optional_cta\":\"\",\"_content_block_optional_cta\":\"content_block_optional_cta\",\"content_block_optional_tag\":\"\",\"_content_block_optional_tag\":\"content_block_optional_tag\",\"content_block_video\":\"\",\"_content_block_video\":\"content_block_video\",\"content_media_position\":\"right\",\"_content_media_position\":\"content_media_position\",\"brightcove_account_id\":\"\",\"_brightcove_account_id\":\"bright_cove_account_id\"},\"mode\":\"edit\"} \/-->\n\n<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Merck National Service Center<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:acf\/contact-us-banner-block {\"name\":\"acf\/contact-us-banner-block\",\"data\":{\"negative_style\":\"0\",\"_negative_style\":\"mco_contact_us_banner_block_use_negative\",\"image_url\":693593,\"_image_url\":\"mco_contact_us_banner_block_image_url\",\"tagline\":\"Merck National Service Center \",\"_tagline\":\"mco_contact_us_banner_block_tag_line\",\"title\":\"Report an adverse event\",\"_title\":\"mco_contact_us_banner_block_title\",\"phone\":\"1-800-672-6372 \",\"_phone\":\"mco_contact_us_banner_block_phone\",\"email\":\"\",\"_email\":\"mco_contact_us_banner_block_email\",\"hours\":\"You can call this number 24\/7 for any product-related emergency.  Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. ET\",\"_hours\":\"mco_contact_us_banner_block_hours\",\"description\":\"For information about Merck\u2019s products and services including the reporting of an Adverse Event or Product Quality Complaint with a specific Merck product, please call the Merck National Service Center.\",\"_description\":\"mco_contact_us_banner_block_description\"},\"mode\":\"edit\",\"className\":\"mt-2 mb-2\"} \/-->\n\n<!-- wp:acf\/content-teaser-cards {\"name\":\"acf\/content-teaser-cards\",\"data\":{\"title\":\"Explore our work \",\"_title\":\"mco_content_teaser_cards_title\",\"description\":\"Every patient has a story to tell. Let their courage and strength inspire you.\",\"_description\":\"mco_content_teaser_cards_description\",\"cta_one\":\"\",\"_cta_one\":\"mco_content_teaser_cards_block_cta_one\",\"card_count\":\"4\",\"_card_count\":\"mco_content_teaser_cards_count\",\"show_tags\":\"0\",\"_show_tags\":\"mco_content_teaser_cards_block_show_tags\",\"content_selection\":\"patients\",\"_content_selection\":\"mco_content_teaser_cards_content_selection\"},\"mode\":\"edit\"} \/-->\n\n<!-- wp:block {\"ref\":990648} \/-->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->","post_title":"Patients","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"patients","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-05-14 10:23:33","post_modified_gmt":"2024-05-14 14:23:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/?page_id=50628","menu_order":4,"post_type":"page","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},"story_two_selection":"select","related_content_item_two":{"ID":3662437,"post_author":"1141","post_date":"2025-03-18 10:44:33","post_date_gmt":"2025-03-18 14:44:33","post_content":"<!-- wp:acf\/hero-block {\"name\":\"acf\/hero-block\",\"data\":{\"mco_hero_block_tagline_text\":\"\",\"_mco_hero_block_tagline_text\":\"mco_hero_block_tagline_text\",\"mco_hero_block_ttle\":\"Infectious diseases\",\"_mco_hero_block_ttle\":\"mco_hero_block_title\",\"mco_hero_block_description\":\"Our focus has always been on the prevention and treatment of diseases that threaten people and communities around the world.\",\"_mco_hero_block_description\":\"mco_hero_block_description\",\"mco_hero_block_image_url\":4853,\"_mco_hero_block_image_url\":\"mco_hero_block_image_url\",\"mco_hero_block_image_small_url\":\"\",\"_mco_hero_block_image_small_url\":\"mco_hero_block_image_small_url\",\"mco_hero_block_button_cta\":\"\",\"_mco_hero_block_button_cta\":\"mco_hero_block_button_cta\",\"video_hosting_selection\":\"select\",\"_video_hosting_selection\":\"takeover_block_video_type\"},\"mode\":\"edit\",\"className\":\"mt-2 mb-2\"} \/-->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\",\"className\":\"mt-2 mb-2\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center mt-2 mb-2\"><br> <a class=\"secondary btn\" href=\"#research\">Our research<\/a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;  |  &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a class=\"secondary btn\" href=\"#discovery\">Discovery efforts<\/a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; |  &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a class=\"secondary btn\" href=\"#stories\">Stories<\/a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;  |  &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a class=\"secondary btn\" href=\"#careers\">Careers<\/a><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<a id=\"research\"><\/a>\n<!-- \/wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:acf\/title-block {\"name\":\"acf\/title-block\",\"data\":{\"title\":\"Our research in infectious diseases has led to profound scientific advances\",\"_title\":\"mco_title_block_title\",\"description\":\"\\u003cspan class=\\u0022ui-provider a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z ab ac ae af ag ah ai aj ak\\u0022 dir=\\u0022ltr\\u0022\\u003eWe\u2019ve been working to combat global health threats caused by infectious diseases for more than a century, which includes pioneering research in HIV science, developing one of the first antibiotics and discovering and developing \\u003ca class=\\u0022fui-Link ___1rxvrpe f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1hu3pq6 f11qmguv f19f4twv f1tyq0we f1g0x7ka fhxju0i f1qch9an f1cnd47f fqv5qza f1vmzxwi f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn\\u0022 title=\\u0022https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/research\/vaccines\/\\u0022 href=\\u0022https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/research\/vaccines\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022 aria-label=\\u0022Link vaccines\\u0022\\u003evaccines\\u003c\/a\\u003e. But our work is far from done. \\u003c\/span\\u003eEvery year, millions of people die from infectious diseases. The world is counting on us to bring forward new approaches to help ease human suffering.\",\"_description\":\"mco_title_block_description\",\"content_label\":\"\",\"_content_label\":\"mco_title_block_content_label\",\"cta_one\":\"\",\"_cta_one\":\"mco_title_block_cta_one\",\"cta_two\":\"\",\"_cta_two\":\"mco_title_block_cta_two\",\"image\":\"\",\"_image\":\"mco_title_block_image\"},\"align\":\"center\",\"mode\":\"edit\",\"className\":\"mb-2 mt-2\"} \/-->\n\n<!-- wp:acf\/title-block {\"name\":\"acf\/title-block\",\"data\":{\"title\":\"Our work in infectious diseases\",\"_title\":\"mco_title_block_title\",\"description\":\"\",\"_description\":\"mco_title_block_description\",\"content_label\":\"\",\"_content_label\":\"mco_title_block_content_label\",\"cta_one\":\"\",\"_cta_one\":\"mco_title_block_cta_one\",\"cta_two\":\"\",\"_cta_two\":\"mco_title_block_cta_two\",\"image\":\"\",\"_image\":\"mco_title_block_image\"},\"align\":\"center\",\"mode\":\"edit\",\"className\":\"negative pull-up-stats mb-2\"} \/-->\n\n<!-- wp:group {\"className\":\"stat-group mb-2\"} -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-group stat-group mb-2\"><!-- wp:acf\/statistics-block {\"name\":\"acf\/statistics-block\",\"data\":{\"stat_statistic\":\"35+\",\"_stat_statistic\":\"stat_block_statistic\",\"stat_caption\":\"\",\"_stat_caption\":\"stat_block_caption\",\"stat_description\":\"years committed to research to help combat the challenges of the HIV epidemic\",\"_stat_description\":\"stat_block_description\",\"stat_cta\":\"\",\"_stat_cta\":\"stat_block_cta_link\"},\"mode\":\"edit\"} \/-->\n\n<!-- wp:acf\/statistics-block {\"name\":\"acf\/statistics-block\",\"data\":{\"stat_statistic\":\"1942\",\"_stat_statistic\":\"stat_block_statistic\",\"stat_caption\":\"\",\"_stat_caption\":\"stat_block_caption\",\"stat_description\":\"the year we began producing penicillin G\",\"_stat_description\":\"stat_block_description\",\"stat_cta\":\"\",\"_stat_cta\":\"stat_block_cta_link\"},\"mode\":\"edit\"} \/-->\n\n<!-- wp:acf\/statistics-block {\"name\":\"acf\/statistics-block\",\"data\":{\"stat_statistic\":\"70+\",\"_stat_statistic\":\"stat_block_statistic\",\"stat_caption\":\"\",\"_stat_caption\":\"stat_block_caption\",\"stat_description\":\"investigator-initiated antimicrobial stewardship programs funded across the globe are currently active or successfully completed\",\"_stat_description\":\"stat_block_description\",\"stat_cta\":\"\",\"_stat_cta\":\"stat_block_cta_link\"},\"mode\":\"edit\"} \/--><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:group -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textAlign\":\"left\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left\">Our discovery efforts<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<a id=\"discovery\"><\/a>\n<!-- \/wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:columns {\"className\":\"mco-columns-wrapping border-top-1\"} -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns mco-columns-wrapping border-top-1\"><!-- wp:column {\"width\":\"32%\"} -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\" style=\"flex-basis:32%\"><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"className\":\"mr-2 mt-2\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading mr-2 mt-2\">HIV<\/h3>\n<!-- \/wp:heading --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:column -->\n\n<!-- wp:column -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\"><!-- wp:paragraph {\"className\":\"mt-2\"} -->\n<p class=\"mt-2\"><strong>Our legacy in innovative HIV science continues<\/strong><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>We remember when HIV was one of society's most daunting challenges, when millions of people lost their lives to the devastating AIDS epidemic. Our scientists embarked on an urgent mission to unravel and understand the virus, which led to groundbreaking research in HIV.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>We're still driven to do more. We're pushing the boundaries of HIV science because unmet medical need still endures. Eradication of the virus is our ultimate goal.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<p class=\"mb-2\"><a class=\"btn secondary\" href=\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/research\/infectious-diseases\/hiv\/\">Read more: Our work in HIV<\/a><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:html --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:column --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:columns -->\n\n<!-- wp:columns {\"className\":\"mco-columns-wrapping border-top-1\"} -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns mco-columns-wrapping border-top-1\"><!-- wp:column {\"width\":\"32%\"} -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\" style=\"flex-basis:32%\"><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"className\":\"mr-2 mt-2\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading mr-2 mt-2\">Pneumococcal disease<\/h3>\n<!-- \/wp:heading --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:column -->\n\n<!-- wp:column -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\"><!-- wp:paragraph {\"className\":\"mt-2\"} -->\n<p class=\"mt-2\"><strong>Our decades-long dedication to pneumococcal disease prevention<\/strong><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Pneumococcal disease is an infection caused by a bacteria called\u202fStreptococcus pneumoniae. There are about 100 different types (referred to as serotypes) of pneumococcal bacteria, which can affect adults differently than children. Pneumococcal disease can lead to severe health issues, including pneumonia, sepsis and meningitis.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>For over 40 years, our company has been dedicated to advancing research and innovation to help protect against this serious global public health threat.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<p class=\"mb-2\"><a class=\"btn secondary\" href=\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/stories\/a-personal-commitment-to-public-health\/\">Read more: Stories of research and clinical care from two leading experts in infectious diseases<\/a><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:html --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:column --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:columns -->\n\n<!-- wp:columns {\"className\":\"mco-columns-wrapping border-top-1\"} -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns mco-columns-wrapping border-top-1\"><!-- wp:column {\"width\":\"32%\"} -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\" style=\"flex-basis:32%\"><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"className\":\"mr-2 mt-2\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading mr-2 mt-2\">Antibiotics<\/h3>\n<!-- \/wp:heading --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:column -->\n\n<!-- wp:column -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\"><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Collaborating to address antimicrobial resistance (AMR)<\/strong><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Our company has a strong legacy in antimicrobial R&amp;D, with a broad portfolio that spans both human and animal health and includes antibiotics, vaccines and novel approaches to reduce the need for antibiotics. With the growing burden of antimicrobial resistance, we\u2019re committed to dedicating our expertise and resources alongside our partners to support appropriate antibiotic use and encourage increased investment in future research.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>We're proud of our commitment to invest $100 million over 10 years in the <a href=\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/stories\/how-were-collaborating-to-address-antimicrobial-resistance-and-why-we-cant-do-it-alone\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">AMR Action Fund<\/a>. This groundbreaking partnership of over 20 leading pharmaceutical companies, philanthropies and organizations, aims to bring two to four novel antibiotics to patients and physicians by 2030.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<p class=\"mb-2\"><a class=\"btn secondary\" href=\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/stories\/mercks-legacy-of-antimicrobial-innovation-and-action\/\">Read more: Merck\u2019s 100-year legacy of antimicrobial innovation and action<\/a><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:html --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:column --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:columns -->\n\n<!-- wp:columns {\"className\":\"mco-columns-wrapping border-top-1\"} -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns mco-columns-wrapping border-top-1\"><!-- wp:column {\"width\":\"32%\"} -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\" style=\"flex-basis:32%\"><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"className\":\"mr-2 mt-2\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading mr-2 mt-2\">Ebola Zaire<\/h3>\n<!-- \/wp:heading --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:column -->\n\n<!-- wp:column -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\"><!-- wp:paragraph {\"className\":\"mt-2\"} -->\n<p class=\"mt-2\"><strong><strong>Joining a partnership to combat a deadly virus<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Since the emergence of the Ebola virus in 1976, periodic outbreaks have been a global health challenge. We're proud to be part of the global public-private partnership that has united government, industry, community groups, scientists, health care workers and ordinary people, to come together to <a href=\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/stories\/taking-on-zaire-ebolavirus\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">help fight this deadly disease<\/a>. <\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<p class=\"mb-2\"><a class=\"btn secondary\" href=\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/stories\/taking-on-zaire-ebolavirus\/\">Read more: Taking on Zaire ebolavirus<\/a><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:html --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:column --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:columns -->\n\n<!-- wp:columns {\"className\":\"mco-columns-wrapping border-top-1\"} -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns mco-columns-wrapping border-top-1\"><!-- wp:column {\"width\":\"32%\"} -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\" style=\"flex-basis:32%\"><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"className\":\"mr-2 mt-2\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading mr-2 mt-2\">Dengue<\/h3>\n<!-- \/wp:heading --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:column -->\n\n<!-- wp:column -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\"><!-- wp:paragraph {\"className\":\"mt-2\"} -->\n<p class=\"mt-2\"><strong><strong><strong>Driving scientific discoveries to combat a mosquito-borne illness<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>With approximately half of the world\u2019s population, or four billion people, at risk dengue is a critical public health challenge. We're working with urgency to advance research and innovation that aims to help protect the millions of people at risk for dengue infection. <\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<p class=\"mb-2\"><a class=\"btn secondary\" href=\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/stories\/a-lifelong-commitment-to-addressing-dengue-fever\/\">Read more: A lifelong commitment to addressing dengue fever<\/a><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:html --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:column --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:columns -->\n\n<!-- wp:columns {\"className\":\"mco-columns-wrapping border-top-1 border-bottom-1\"} -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns mco-columns-wrapping border-top-1 border-bottom-1\"><!-- wp:column {\"width\":\"32%\"} -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\" style=\"flex-basis:32%\"><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"className\":\"mr-2 mt-2\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading mr-2 mt-2\">Programs that can make a difference<\/h3>\n<!-- \/wp:heading --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:column -->\n\n<!-- wp:column -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\"><!-- wp:paragraph {\"className\":\"mt-2\"} -->\n<p class=\"mt-2\"><strong><strong>We're leading HIV\/AIDS programs that reach patients where they already are<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To help address disparities in HIV care, <a href=\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/company-overview\/sustainability\/philanthropy\/merck-foundation\/\">our Foundation<\/a> established HIV Care Connect. The multi-site initiative aims to reduce disparities in access to HIV care and help improve health outcomes for people living with HIV in the Southeastern U.S. who are disproportionately affected.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<p class=\"mb-2\"><a class=\"btn secondary\" href=\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/company-overview\/sustainability\/philanthropy\/promoting-equity-in-hiv-aids-care\/\">Read more: Promoting equity in HIV\/AIDS care<\/a><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:html --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:column --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:columns -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<a id=\"stories\"><\/a>\n<!-- \/wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:acf\/content-teaser-cards {\"name\":\"acf\/content-teaser-cards\",\"data\":{\"title\":\"Read the stories\",\"_title\":\"mco_content_teaser_cards_title\",\"description\":\"Learn more about the people and programs helping combat and raise awareness around infectious diseases\",\"_description\":\"mco_content_teaser_cards_description\",\"cta_one\":\"\",\"_cta_one\":\"mco_content_teaser_cards_block_cta_one\",\"cta_one_aria_label\":\"\",\"_cta_one_aria_label\":\"mco_content_teaser_cards_block_cta_one_aria_label\",\"card_count\":\"4\",\"_card_count\":\"mco_content_teaser_cards_count\",\"show_tags\":\"0\",\"_show_tags\":\"mco_content_teaser_cards_block_show_tags\",\"use_automatic_height\":\"0\",\"_use_automatic_height\":\"mco_content_teaser_cards_block_use_automatic_height\",\"content_selection\":\"manual\",\"_content_selection\":\"mco_content_teaser_cards_content_selection\",\"story_one\":3662224,\"_story_one\":\"mco_content_teaser_cards_block_story_one\",\"story_two\":3669134,\"_story_two\":\"mco_content_teaser_cards_block_story_two\",\"story_three\":3634497,\"_story_three\":\"mco_content_teaser_cards_block_story_three\",\"story_four\":3633479,\"_story_four\":\"mco_content_teaser_cards_block_story_four\"},\"mode\":\"edit\"} \/-->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<a id=\"careers\"><\/a>\n<!-- \/wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:spacer {\"height\":\"50px\"} -->\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:spacer -->\n\n<!-- wp:acf\/featured-banner-block {\"name\":\"acf\/featured-banner-block\",\"data\":{\"mco_featured_banner_negative\":\"1\",\"_mco_featured_banner_negative\":\"mco_featured_banner_negative_294ytohe\",\"image\":2794923,\"_image\":\"mco_featured_banner_block_image\",\"title\":\"Join Merck\",\"_title\":\"mco_featured_banner_block_title\",\"description\":\"To solve worldwide health challenges, we rely on world-class expertise. Our team is always evolving, so join us \u2014 and start making your impact today.\",\"_description\":\"mco_featured_banner_block_description\",\"content_label\":\"\",\"_content_label\":\"mco_featured_banner_block_content_label\",\"cta_one\":{\"title\":\"Search jobs\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/jobs.merck.com\/us\/en\/home\",\"target\":\"\"},\"_cta_one\":\"mco_featured_banner_block_cta_one\",\"cta_two\":\"\",\"_cta_two\":\"mco_featured_banner_block_cta_two\",\"cta_three\":\"\",\"_cta_three\":\"mco_featured_banner_block_cta_three\"},\"mode\":\"edit\",\"className\":\"mt-2 mb-2\"} \/-->","post_title":"Infectious diseases","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"infectious-diseases","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-10-30 08:53:05","post_modified_gmt":"2025-10-30 12:53:05","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":47,"guid":"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/?page_id=3662437","menu_order":1,"post_type":"page","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},"story_three_selection":"select","related_content_item_three":{"ID":47,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2020-02-04 20:20:49","post_date_gmt":"2020-02-05 01:20:49","post_content":"<!-- wp:acf\/hero-block {\"name\":\"acf\/hero-block\",\"data\":{\"mco_hero_block_tagline_text\":\"\",\"_mco_hero_block_tagline_text\":\"mco_hero_block_tagline_text\",\"mco_hero_block_ttle\":\"Research\",\"_mco_hero_block_ttle\":\"mco_hero_block_title\",\"mco_hero_block_description\":\"We believe research is the will to conquer the impossible and that science will lead the way.\",\"_mco_hero_block_description\":\"mco_hero_block_description\",\"mco_hero_block_image_url\":3663337,\"_mco_hero_block_image_url\":\"mco_hero_block_image_url\",\"mco_hero_block_image_small_url\":\"\",\"_mco_hero_block_image_small_url\":\"mco_hero_block_image_small_url\",\"mco_hero_block_button_cta\":\"\",\"_mco_hero_block_button_cta\":\"mco_hero_block_button_cta\",\"video_hosting_selection\":\"select\",\"_video_hosting_selection\":\"takeover_block_video_type\"},\"mode\":\"edit\",\"className\":\"mb-2\"} \/-->\n\n<!-- wp:acf\/title-block {\"name\":\"acf\/title-block\",\"data\":{\"title\":\"The journey to discovery is guided by science \u2014 and inspired by patients\",\"_title\":\"mco_title_block_title\",\"description\":\"Every day our scientists, from all backgrounds and disciplines, work together to use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives.\\r\\n\\r\\n\\u0026nbsp;\",\"_description\":\"mco_title_block_description\",\"content_label\":\"\",\"_content_label\":\"mco_title_block_content_label\",\"cta_one\":\"\",\"_cta_one\":\"mco_title_block_cta_one\",\"cta_two\":\"\",\"_cta_two\":\"mco_title_block_cta_two\",\"image\":\"\",\"_image\":\"mco_title_block_image\"},\"align\":\"center\",\"mode\":\"edit\",\"className\":\"mb-2\"} \/-->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textAlign\":\"center\",\"level\":3} -->\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Merck Research Laboratories: Where extraordinary breakthroughs happen<\/h3>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:acf\/article-images-block {\"name\":\"acf\/article-images-block\",\"data\":{\"article_images_primary_image\":3655600,\"_article_images_primary_image\":\"article_images_primary_image_293yohfe\",\"article_images_primary_caption\":\"\",\"_article_images_primary_caption\":\"article_images_primary_caption_293yohfe\",\"article_images_primary_video_type\":\"youtube\",\"_article_images_primary_video_type\":\"article_images_primary_video_type_293yohfe\",\"article_images_primary_video\":\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/luNl4Jpobq8\",\"_article_images_primary_video\":\"article_images_primary_video_293yohfe\",\"article_images_primary_brightcove\":\"\",\"_article_images_primary_brightcove\":\"article_images_primary_brightcove_293yohfe\",\"article_images_secondary_image\":\"\",\"_article_images_secondary_image\":\"article_images_secondary_image_293yohfe\",\"article_images_secondary_caption\":\"\",\"_article_images_secondary_caption\":\"article_images_secondary_caption_293yohfe\",\"article_images_secondary_video_type\":\"youtube\",\"_article_images_secondary_video_type\":\"article_images_secondary_video_type_293yohfe\",\"article_images_secondary_video\":\"\",\"_article_images_secondary_video\":\"article_images_secondary_video_293yohfe\",\"article_images_secondary_brightcove\":\"\",\"_article_images_secondary_brightcove\":\"article_images_secondary_brightcove_293yohfe\"},\"mode\":\"edit\",\"className\":\"mt-2 mb-2\"} \/-->\n\n<!-- wp:spacer {\"height\":\"12px\"} -->\n<div style=\"height:12px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:spacer -->\n\n<!-- wp:group {\"className\":\"stat-group mt-2 mb-2\",\"layout\":{\"type\":\"constrained\"}} -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-group stat-group mt-2 mb-2\"><!-- wp:heading {\"textAlign\":\"center\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Our research in action<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:columns {\"className\":\"mco-columns-wrapping mt-2 mb-2\"} -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns mco-columns-wrapping mt-2 mb-2\"><!-- wp:column -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\"><!-- wp:acf\/article-statistics-block {\"name\":\"acf\/article-statistics-block\",\"data\":{\"art_stat_icon\":2882423,\"_art_stat_icon\":\"art_stat_block_icon\",\"art_stat_statistic\":\"~23.5K\",\"_art_stat_statistic\":\"art_stat_block_statistic\",\"art_stat_caption\":\"\",\"_art_stat_caption\":\"art_stat_block_caption\",\"art_stat_description\":\"People employed in R\\u0026D\",\"_art_stat_description\":\"art_stat_block_description\",\"art_stat_cta\":{\"title\":\"Careers\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/jobs.merck.com\/us\/en\/research-laboratories\",\"target\":\"\"},\"_art_stat_cta\":\"art_stat_block_cta_link\"},\"mode\":\"edit\",\"className\":\"mt-2 mb-2\"} \/--><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:column -->\n\n<!-- wp:column -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\"><!-- wp:acf\/article-statistics-block {\"name\":\"acf\/article-statistics-block\",\"data\":{\"art_stat_icon\":3614459,\"_art_stat_icon\":\"art_stat_block_icon\",\"art_stat_statistic\":\"$17.9B\",\"_art_stat_statistic\":\"art_stat_block_statistic\",\"art_stat_caption\":\"\",\"_art_stat_caption\":\"art_stat_block_caption\",\"art_stat_description\":\"Invested in R\\u0026D in 2024\",\"_art_stat_description\":\"art_stat_block_description\",\"art_stat_cta\":{\"title\":\"Pipeline\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/research\/product-pipeline\/\",\"target\":\"\"},\"_art_stat_cta\":\"art_stat_block_cta_link\"},\"mode\":\"edit\",\"className\":\"mt-2 mb-2\"} \/--><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:column -->\n\n<!-- wp:column -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\"><!-- wp:acf\/article-statistics-block {\"name\":\"acf\/article-statistics-block\",\"data\":{\"art_stat_icon\":3650314,\"_art_stat_icon\":\"art_stat_block_icon\",\"art_stat_statistic\":\"1,400+\",\"_art_stat_statistic\":\"art_stat_block_statistic\",\"art_stat_caption\":\"\",\"_art_stat_caption\":\"art_stat_block_caption\",\"art_stat_description\":\"Publications by our scientists\",\"_art_stat_description\":\"art_stat_block_description\",\"art_stat_cta\":{\"title\":\"Publications\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/research\/publications\/\",\"target\":\"\"},\"_art_stat_cta\":\"art_stat_block_cta_link\"},\"mode\":\"edit\",\"className\":\"mt-2 mb-2\"} \/--><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:column --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:columns --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:group -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><a class=\"btn\" href=\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/research\/our-science-in-action\/\">Learn more<\/a><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:acf\/mcc-related-links {\"name\":\"acf\/mcc-related-links\",\"data\":{\"mcc_b7_optional_title_line_one\":\"Our areas of focus\",\"_mcc_b7_optional_title_line_one\":\"mcc_b7_optional_title_line_one_field\",\"mcc_b7_optional_section_description\":\"We follow the science and apply our expertise on core therapeutic areas where we have the greatest potential to help save and improve lives.\",\"_mcc_b7_optional_section_description\":\"mcc_b7_optional_section_description_field\",\"mcc_b7_general_image\":4837,\"_mcc_b7_general_image\":\"mcc_b7_general_image_field\",\"mcc_b7_optional_cta_text\":\"\",\"_mcc_b7_optional_cta_text\":\"mcc_b7_optional_cta_text_field\",\"mcc_b7_optional_cta_url\":\"\",\"_mcc_b7_optional_cta_url\":\"mcc_b7_optional_cta_url_field\",\"mcc_b7_related_links_0_mcc_b7_related_links_image\":4837,\"_mcc_b7_related_links_0_mcc_b7_related_links_image\":\"mcc_b7_related_links_image_field\",\"mcc_b7_related_links_0_mcc_b7_related_links_title\":\"Oncology\",\"_mcc_b7_related_links_0_mcc_b7_related_links_title\":\"mcc_b7_related_links_title_field\",\"mcc_b7_related_links_0_mcc_b7_related_links_sub_title\":\"Oncology\",\"_mcc_b7_related_links_0_mcc_b7_related_links_sub_title\":\"mcc_b7_related_links_sub_title_field\",\"mcc_b7_related_links_0_mcc_b7_related_links_description\":\"Our teams of researchers and scientists are pushing the boundaries of cancer research to discover more effective anticancer therapies.\",\"_mcc_b7_related_links_0_mcc_b7_related_links_description\":\"mcc_b7_related_links_description_field\",\"mcc_b7_related_links_0_mcc_b7_related_links_text\":\"Our work in oncology\",\"_mcc_b7_related_links_0_mcc_b7_related_links_text\":\"mcc_b7_related_links_text_field\",\"mcc_b7_related_links_0_mcc_b7_related_links_url\":\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/research\/oncology\/\",\"_mcc_b7_related_links_0_mcc_b7_related_links_url\":\"mcc_b7_related_links_url_field\",\"mcc_b7_related_links_0_mcc_b7_related_links_title_atr\":\"oncology\",\"_mcc_b7_related_links_0_mcc_b7_related_links_title_atr\":\"mcc_b7_related_links_title_atr_field\",\"mcc_b7_related_links_0_mcc_b7_related_links_target\":true,\"_mcc_b7_related_links_0_mcc_b7_related_links_target\":\"mcc_b7_related_links_target_field\",\"mcc_b7_related_links_1_mcc_b7_related_links_image\":4852,\"_mcc_b7_related_links_1_mcc_b7_related_links_image\":\"mcc_b7_related_links_image_field\",\"mcc_b7_related_links_1_mcc_b7_related_links_title\":\"Vaccines\",\"_mcc_b7_related_links_1_mcc_b7_related_links_title\":\"mcc_b7_related_links_title_field\",\"mcc_b7_related_links_1_mcc_b7_related_links_sub_title\":\"Vaccines\",\"_mcc_b7_related_links_1_mcc_b7_related_links_sub_title\":\"mcc_b7_related_links_sub_title_field\",\"mcc_b7_related_links_1_mcc_b7_related_links_description\":\"Vaccines are one of the greatest public health success stories \u2014 and we\u2019ve been discovering, developing, supplying and delivering vaccines to help prevent disease for over 130 years. \",\"_mcc_b7_related_links_1_mcc_b7_related_links_description\":\"mcc_b7_related_links_description_field\",\"mcc_b7_related_links_1_mcc_b7_related_links_text\":\"Our work in vaccines\",\"_mcc_b7_related_links_1_mcc_b7_related_links_text\":\"mcc_b7_related_links_text_field\",\"mcc_b7_related_links_1_mcc_b7_related_links_url\":\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/research\/vaccines\/\",\"_mcc_b7_related_links_1_mcc_b7_related_links_url\":\"mcc_b7_related_links_url_field\",\"mcc_b7_related_links_1_mcc_b7_related_links_title_atr\":\"our work in vaccines\",\"_mcc_b7_related_links_1_mcc_b7_related_links_title_atr\":\"mcc_b7_related_links_title_atr_field\",\"mcc_b7_related_links_1_mcc_b7_related_links_target\":true,\"_mcc_b7_related_links_1_mcc_b7_related_links_target\":\"mcc_b7_related_links_target_field\",\"mcc_b7_related_links_2_mcc_b7_related_links_image\":737546,\"_mcc_b7_related_links_2_mcc_b7_related_links_image\":\"mcc_b7_related_links_image_field\",\"mcc_b7_related_links_2_mcc_b7_related_links_title\":\"Infectious diseases\",\"_mcc_b7_related_links_2_mcc_b7_related_links_title\":\"mcc_b7_related_links_title_field\",\"mcc_b7_related_links_2_mcc_b7_related_links_sub_title\":\"Infectious diseases\",\"_mcc_b7_related_links_2_mcc_b7_related_links_sub_title\":\"mcc_b7_related_links_sub_title_field\",\"mcc_b7_related_links_2_mcc_b7_related_links_description\":\"Our focus has always been on the prevention and treatment of diseases that threaten people and communities around the world.\",\"_mcc_b7_related_links_2_mcc_b7_related_links_description\":\"mcc_b7_related_links_description_field\",\"mcc_b7_related_links_2_mcc_b7_related_links_text\":\"Our work in infectious diseases\",\"_mcc_b7_related_links_2_mcc_b7_related_links_text\":\"mcc_b7_related_links_text_field\",\"mcc_b7_related_links_2_mcc_b7_related_links_url\":\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/research\/infectious-diseases\/\",\"_mcc_b7_related_links_2_mcc_b7_related_links_url\":\"mcc_b7_related_links_url_field\",\"mcc_b7_related_links_2_mcc_b7_related_links_title_atr\":\"Infections diseases\",\"_mcc_b7_related_links_2_mcc_b7_related_links_title_atr\":\"mcc_b7_related_links_title_atr_field\",\"mcc_b7_related_links_2_mcc_b7_related_links_target\":true,\"_mcc_b7_related_links_2_mcc_b7_related_links_target\":\"mcc_b7_related_links_target_field\",\"mcc_b7_related_links_3_mcc_b7_related_links_image\":51138,\"_mcc_b7_related_links_3_mcc_b7_related_links_image\":\"mcc_b7_related_links_image_field\",\"mcc_b7_related_links_3_mcc_b7_related_links_title\":\"Cardio-metabolic disorders\",\"_mcc_b7_related_links_3_mcc_b7_related_links_title\":\"mcc_b7_related_links_title_field\",\"mcc_b7_related_links_3_mcc_b7_related_links_sub_title\":\"Cardio-metabolic disorders \",\"_mcc_b7_related_links_3_mcc_b7_related_links_sub_title\":\"mcc_b7_related_links_sub_title_field\",\"mcc_b7_related_links_3_mcc_b7_related_links_description\":\"We have a long history of making an impact in cardio-metabolic disorders, such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.\",\"_mcc_b7_related_links_3_mcc_b7_related_links_description\":\"mcc_b7_related_links_description_field\",\"mcc_b7_related_links_3_mcc_b7_related_links_text\":\"Our work in cardio-metabolic disorders\",\"_mcc_b7_related_links_3_mcc_b7_related_links_text\":\"mcc_b7_related_links_text_field\",\"mcc_b7_related_links_3_mcc_b7_related_links_url\":\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/research\/cardio-metabolic-disorders\/\",\"_mcc_b7_related_links_3_mcc_b7_related_links_url\":\"mcc_b7_related_links_url_field\",\"mcc_b7_related_links_3_mcc_b7_related_links_title_atr\":\"Cardio-metabolic disorders\",\"_mcc_b7_related_links_3_mcc_b7_related_links_title_atr\":\"mcc_b7_related_links_title_atr_field\",\"mcc_b7_related_links_3_mcc_b7_related_links_target\":true,\"_mcc_b7_related_links_3_mcc_b7_related_links_target\":\"mcc_b7_related_links_target_field\",\"mcc_b7_related_links_4_mcc_b7_related_links_image\":3637303,\"_mcc_b7_related_links_4_mcc_b7_related_links_image\":\"mcc_b7_related_links_image_field\",\"mcc_b7_related_links_4_mcc_b7_related_links_title\":\"Immunology\",\"_mcc_b7_related_links_4_mcc_b7_related_links_title\":\"mcc_b7_related_links_title_field\",\"mcc_b7_related_links_4_mcc_b7_related_links_sub_title\":\"Immunology\",\"_mcc_b7_related_links_4_mcc_b7_related_links_sub_title\":\"mcc_b7_related_links_sub_title_field\",\"mcc_b7_related_links_4_mcc_b7_related_links_description\":\"We\u2019re at the forefront of research, seeking to translate scientific discoveries into treatments for people with immune-mediated inflammatory disorders.\",\"_mcc_b7_related_links_4_mcc_b7_related_links_description\":\"mcc_b7_related_links_description_field\",\"mcc_b7_related_links_4_mcc_b7_related_links_text\":\"Our work in immunology\",\"_mcc_b7_related_links_4_mcc_b7_related_links_text\":\"mcc_b7_related_links_text_field\",\"mcc_b7_related_links_4_mcc_b7_related_links_url\":\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/research\/immunology\/\",\"_mcc_b7_related_links_4_mcc_b7_related_links_url\":\"mcc_b7_related_links_url_field\",\"mcc_b7_related_links_4_mcc_b7_related_links_title_atr\":\"Immunology\",\"_mcc_b7_related_links_4_mcc_b7_related_links_title_atr\":\"mcc_b7_related_links_title_atr_field\",\"mcc_b7_related_links_4_mcc_b7_related_links_target\":true,\"_mcc_b7_related_links_4_mcc_b7_related_links_target\":\"mcc_b7_related_links_target_field\",\"mcc_b7_related_links_5_mcc_b7_related_links_image\":3639197,\"_mcc_b7_related_links_5_mcc_b7_related_links_image\":\"mcc_b7_related_links_image_field\",\"mcc_b7_related_links_5_mcc_b7_related_links_title\":\"Neuroscience\",\"_mcc_b7_related_links_5_mcc_b7_related_links_title\":\"mcc_b7_related_links_title_field\",\"mcc_b7_related_links_5_mcc_b7_related_links_sub_title\":\"Neuroscience\",\"_mcc_b7_related_links_5_mcc_b7_related_links_sub_title\":\"mcc_b7_related_links_sub_title_field\",\"mcc_b7_related_links_5_mcc_b7_related_links_description\":\"We're tackling the complexities and therapeutic challenges of some of the most devastating neurological disorders.\",\"_mcc_b7_related_links_5_mcc_b7_related_links_description\":\"mcc_b7_related_links_description_field\",\"mcc_b7_related_links_5_mcc_b7_related_links_text\":\"Our work in neuroscience\",\"_mcc_b7_related_links_5_mcc_b7_related_links_text\":\"mcc_b7_related_links_text_field\",\"mcc_b7_related_links_5_mcc_b7_related_links_url\":\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/research\/neuroscience\/\",\"_mcc_b7_related_links_5_mcc_b7_related_links_url\":\"mcc_b7_related_links_url_field\",\"mcc_b7_related_links_5_mcc_b7_related_links_title_atr\":\"\",\"_mcc_b7_related_links_5_mcc_b7_related_links_title_atr\":\"mcc_b7_related_links_title_atr_field\",\"mcc_b7_related_links_5_mcc_b7_related_links_target\":true,\"_mcc_b7_related_links_5_mcc_b7_related_links_target\":\"mcc_b7_related_links_target_field\",\"mcc_b7_related_links_6_mcc_b7_related_links_image\":3659562,\"_mcc_b7_related_links_6_mcc_b7_related_links_image\":\"mcc_b7_related_links_image_field\",\"mcc_b7_related_links_6_mcc_b7_related_links_title\":\"Ophthalmology\",\"_mcc_b7_related_links_6_mcc_b7_related_links_title\":\"mcc_b7_related_links_title_field\",\"mcc_b7_related_links_6_mcc_b7_related_links_sub_title\":\"Ophthalmology\",\"_mcc_b7_related_links_6_mcc_b7_related_links_sub_title\":\"mcc_b7_related_links_sub_title_field\",\"mcc_b7_related_links_6_mcc_b7_related_links_description\":\"Our team is dedicated to exploring and advancing new therapeutics for a range of retinal diseases, which remain among the most significant therapeutic challenges in ophthalmology. \",\"_mcc_b7_related_links_6_mcc_b7_related_links_description\":\"mcc_b7_related_links_description_field\",\"mcc_b7_related_links_6_mcc_b7_related_links_text\":\"Our work in ophthalmology\",\"_mcc_b7_related_links_6_mcc_b7_related_links_text\":\"mcc_b7_related_links_text_field\",\"mcc_b7_related_links_6_mcc_b7_related_links_url\":\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/research\/ophthalmology\",\"_mcc_b7_related_links_6_mcc_b7_related_links_url\":\"mcc_b7_related_links_url_field\",\"mcc_b7_related_links_6_mcc_b7_related_links_title_atr\":\"Ophthalmology\",\"_mcc_b7_related_links_6_mcc_b7_related_links_title_atr\":\"mcc_b7_related_links_title_atr_field\",\"mcc_b7_related_links_6_mcc_b7_related_links_target\":true,\"_mcc_b7_related_links_6_mcc_b7_related_links_target\":\"mcc_b7_related_links_target_field\",\"mcc_b7_related_links\":7,\"_mcc_b7_related_links\":\"mcc_b7_related_links_field\"},\"mode\":\"edit\"} \/-->\n\n<!-- wp:acf\/content-block {\"name\":\"acf\/content-block\",\"data\":{\"maintain_image_aspect_ratio\":\"0\",\"_maintain_image_aspect_ratio\":\"content_block_maintain_image_aspect_ratio\",\"negative_style\":\"0\",\"_negative_style\":\"content_block_negative\",\"content_selection\":\"static\",\"_content_selection\":\"content_selction_method\",\"content_block_image\":3667013,\"_content_block_image\":\"content_block_image\",\"content_block_heading\":\"Areas of innovation\",\"_content_block_heading\":\"content_block_heading\",\"content_block_body\":\"We\u2019re harnessing new tools, techniques and technologies to accelerate our pipeline and deliver transformative medicines and vaccines to patients.\\r\\n\\u003cul\\u003e\\r\\n \\t\\u003cli\\u003e\\u003ca href=\\u0022https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/research\/areas-of-innovation\/data-science-and-artificial-intelligence\/\\u0022\\u003eData science and\u00a0artificial intelligence\\u003c\/a\\u003e\\u003c\/li\\u003e\\r\\n \\t\\u003cli\\u003e\\u003ca href=\\u0022https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/research\/areas-of-innovation\/green-and-sustainable-science\/\\u0022\\u003eGreen and sustainable science\\u003c\/a\\u003e\\u003c\/li\\u003e\\r\\n \\t\\u003cli\\u003e\\u003ca href=\\u0022https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/research\/areas-of-innovation\/our-therapeutic-modalities\/\\u0022\\u003eOur therapeutic modalities\\u003c\/a\\u003e\\u003c\/li\\u003e\\r\\n \\t\\u003cli\\u003e\\u003ca href=\\u0022https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/research\/areas-of-innovation\/translational-medicine\/\\u0022\\u003eTranslational medicine\\u003c\/a\\u003e\\u003c\/li\\u003e\\r\\n\\u003c\/ul\\u003e\",\"_content_block_body\":\"content_block_body\",\"content_block_cta\":\"\",\"_content_block_cta\":\"content_block_cta\",\"content_block_aria_label\":\"\",\"_content_block_aria_label\":\"content_block_aria_label\",\"content_block_optional_cta\":\"\",\"_content_block_optional_cta\":\"content_block_optional_cta\",\"content_block_optional_cta_aria_label\":\"\",\"_content_block_optional_cta_aria_label\":\"content_block_optional_cta_aria_label\",\"content_block_optional_tag\":\"\",\"_content_block_optional_tag\":\"content_block_optional_tag\",\"content_block_video\":\"\",\"_content_block_video\":\"content_block_video\",\"content_media_position\":\"left\",\"_content_media_position\":\"content_media_position\",\"brightcove_account_id\":\"\",\"_brightcove_account_id\":\"bright_cove_account_id\",\"content_block_video_accessible_name\":\"\",\"_content_block_video_accessible_name\":\"content_block_video_accessible_name\",\"content_block_play_button_accessible_name\":\"\",\"_content_block_play_button_accessible_name\":\"content_block_play_button_accessible_name\",\"content_block_popup_accessible_name\":\"\",\"_content_block_popup_accessible_name\":\"content_block_popup_accessible_name\",\"content_block_popup_close_button_accessible_name\":\"\",\"_content_block_popup_close_button_accessible_name\":\"content_block_popup_close_button_accessible_name\"},\"mode\":\"edit\",\"className\":\"mt-2\"} \/-->\n\n<!-- wp:acf\/four-column-content-block {\"name\":\"acf\/four-column-content-block\",\"data\":{\"center_the_block\":\"0\",\"_center_the_block\":\"mco_four_column_content_block_position\",\"col_one_image\":3637332,\"_col_one_image\":\"mco_four_column_content_block_col_one_image\",\"col_one_tag\":\"\",\"_col_one_tag\":\"mco_four_column_content_block_col_one_tag\",\"col_one_title\":\"Pipeline\",\"_col_one_title\":\"mco_four_column_content_block_col_one_title\",\"col_one_content\":\"We have a proud legacy of turning breakthrough science into medicines and vaccines that save and improve lives around the world. \\r\\n\",\"_col_one_content\":\"mco_four_column_content_block_col_one_content\",\"col_one_wysiwyg\":\"\\u003ca href=\\u0022https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/research\/product-pipeline\/\\u0022\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eCheck out our pipeline\\u003c\/strong\\u003e\\u003c\/a\\u003e\\r\\n\\r\\n\\u0026nbsp;\\r\\n\\r\\n\\u0026nbsp;\",\"_col_one_wysiwyg\":\"mco_four_column_content_block_col_one_wysiwyg\",\"col_two_image\":3644510,\"_col_two_image\":\"mco_four_column_content_block_col_two_image\",\"col_two_tag\":\"\",\"_col_two_tag\":\"mco_four_column_content_block_col_two_tag\",\"col_two_title\":\"Business development and licensing\",\"_col_two_title\":\"mco_four_column_content_block_col_two_title\",\"col_two_content\":\"With a robust pipeline and portfolio fueled by both our own discoveries and external innovation, we know that collaborations are critical to advancing bold science.\\r\\n\\r\\n\",\"_col_two_content\":\"mco_four_column_content_block_col_two_content\",\"col_two_wysiwyg\":\"\\u003ca href=\\u0022https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/research\/business-development-and-licensing\/\\u0022\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eCollaborate with us\\u003c\/strong\\u003e\\u003c\/a\\u003e\\r\\n\\r\\n\\u0026nbsp;\\r\\n\\r\\n\\u0026nbsp;\",\"_col_two_wysiwyg\":\"mco_four_column_content_block_col_two_wysiwyg\",\"col_three_image\":3624031,\"_col_three_image\":\"mco_four_column_content_block_col_three_image\",\"col_three_tag\":\"\",\"_col_three_tag\":\"mco_four_column_content_block_col_three_tag\",\"col_three_title\":\"Clinical trials\",\"_col_three_title\":\"mco_four_column_content_block_col_three_title\",\"col_three_content\":\"Our progress is due in large part to the important and tough scientific questions we set out to answer with our clinical trials. \\r\\n\",\"_col_three_content\":\"mco_four_column_content_block_col_three_content\",\"col_three_wysiwyg\":\"\\u003ca href=\\u0022https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/research\/clinical-trials\/\\u0022\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eLearn about clinical trials\\u003c\/strong\\u003e\\u003c\/a\\u003e\",\"_col_three_wysiwyg\":\"mco_four_column_content_block_col_three_wysiwyg\",\"col_four_image\":3649021,\"_col_four_image\":\"mco_four_column_content_block_col_four_image\",\"col_four_tag\":\"\",\"_col_four_tag\":\"mco_four_column_content_block_col_four_tag\",\"col_four_title\":\"Publications\",\"_col_four_title\":\"mco_four_column_content_block_col_four_title\",\"col_four_content\":\"As part of our commitment to unparalleled research, our scientists and postdoctoral research fellows are encouraged to be active members of the scientific community. \\r\\n\\r\\n\",\"_col_four_content\":\"mco_four_column_content_block_col_four_content\",\"col_four_wysiwyg\":\"\\u003ca href=\\u0022https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/research\/publications\/\\u0022\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eExplore our publications\\u003c\/strong\\u003e\\u003c\/a\\u003e\",\"_col_four_wysiwyg\":\"mco_four_column_content_block_col_four_wysiwyg\"},\"mode\":\"edit\",\"className\":\"mb-2\"} \/-->\n\n<!-- wp:acf\/title-block {\"name\":\"acf\/title-block\",\"data\":{\"title\":\"Discovery \\u0026 development\",\"_title\":\"mco_title_block_title\",\"description\":\"We\u2019re focused on transforming novel science into groundbreaking medicines and vaccines for patients.\",\"_description\":\"mco_title_block_description\",\"content_label\":\"\",\"_content_label\":\"mco_title_block_content_label\",\"cta_one\":\"\",\"_cta_one\":\"mco_title_block_cta_one\",\"cta_two\":\"\",\"_cta_two\":\"mco_title_block_cta_two\",\"image\":\"\",\"_image\":\"mco_title_block_image\"},\"align\":\"center\",\"mode\":\"edit\",\"className\":\"mt-2 mb-2\"} \/-->\n\n<!-- wp:columns {\"className\":\"mco-columns-wrapping\"} -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns mco-columns-wrapping\"><!-- wp:column -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\"><!-- wp:acf\/content-block {\"name\":\"acf\/content-block\",\"data\":{\"maintain_image_aspect_ratio\":\"0\",\"_maintain_image_aspect_ratio\":\"content_block_maintain_image_aspect_ratio\",\"negative_style\":\"1\",\"_negative_style\":\"content_block_negative\",\"content_selection\":\"static\",\"_content_selection\":\"content_selction_method\",\"content_block_image\":3652899,\"_content_block_image\":\"content_block_image\",\"content_block_heading\":\"Drug discovery\",\"_content_block_heading\":\"content_block_heading\",\"content_block_body\":\"Drug discovery and development is a complex and lengthy process. It requires creativity, tenacity and agility and the expertise of thousands of scientists working diligently toward our goal to save and improve lives around the world.\",\"_content_block_body\":\"content_block_body\",\"content_block_cta\":{\"title\":\"How we invent\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/research\/discovery-development\/\",\"target\":\"\"},\"_content_block_cta\":\"content_block_cta\",\"content_block_aria_label\":\"\",\"_content_block_aria_label\":\"content_block_aria_label\",\"content_block_optional_cta\":\"\",\"_content_block_optional_cta\":\"content_block_optional_cta\",\"content_block_optional_cta_aria_label\":\"\",\"_content_block_optional_cta_aria_label\":\"content_block_optional_cta_aria_label\",\"content_block_optional_tag\":\"\",\"_content_block_optional_tag\":\"content_block_optional_tag\",\"content_block_video\":\"\",\"_content_block_video\":\"content_block_video\",\"content_media_position\":\"right\",\"_content_media_position\":\"content_media_position\",\"brightcove_account_id\":\"\",\"_brightcove_account_id\":\"bright_cove_account_id\",\"content_block_video_accessible_name\":\"\",\"_content_block_video_accessible_name\":\"content_block_video_accessible_name\",\"content_block_play_button_accessible_name\":\"\",\"_content_block_play_button_accessible_name\":\"content_block_play_button_accessible_name\",\"content_block_popup_accessible_name\":\"\",\"_content_block_popup_accessible_name\":\"content_block_popup_accessible_name\",\"content_block_popup_close_button_accessible_name\":\"\",\"_content_block_popup_close_button_accessible_name\":\"content_block_popup_close_button_accessible_name\"},\"mode\":\"edit\",\"className\":\"mt-2 mb-2\"} \/--><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:column --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:columns -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Meet our scientists<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Innovation is fueled by diverse expertise and backgrounds. Our R&amp;D leaders are pushing scientific boundaries at Merck. <a href=\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/research\/meet-our-scientists\/\">Meet our scientists<\/a>.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:columns {\"className\":\"mco-columns-wrapping\"} -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns mco-columns-wrapping\"><!-- wp:column -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\"><!-- wp:image {\"id\":3627832,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img src=\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/152\/2023\/09\/Dean__Li.jpg?w=666\" alt=\"photo of Dean Li\" class=\"wp-image-3627832\"\/><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/meet-our-scientists\/dean-li-md-ph-d\/\"><strong>Dean Li<\/strong><\/a><br>Executive vice president and president, Merck Research Laboratories<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:column -->\n\n<!-- wp:column -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\"><!-- wp:image {\"id\":3627836,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img src=\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/152\/2023\/09\/EliavBarr.jpg?w=666\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3627836\"\/><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/meet-our-scientists\/eliav-barr-md\/\"><strong>Eliav Barr<\/strong><\/a><br>Senior vice president, head of global clinical development and chief medical officer<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:column -->\n\n<!-- wp:column -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\"><!-- wp:image {\"id\":3636453,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img src=\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/152\/2023\/11\/George_AddonaFinal.png?w=666\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3636453\"\/><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/meet-our-scientists\/george-addona-ph-d\/\"><strong>George Addona<\/strong><\/a><br>Senior vice president and head, discovery, preclinical development and translational medicine<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:column --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:columns -->\n\n<!-- wp:acf\/content-block {\"name\":\"acf\/content-block\",\"data\":{\"maintain_image_aspect_ratio\":\"0\",\"_maintain_image_aspect_ratio\":\"content_block_maintain_image_aspect_ratio\",\"negative_style\":\"1\",\"_negative_style\":\"content_block_negative\",\"content_selection\":\"static\",\"_content_selection\":\"content_selction_method\",\"content_block_image\":3655596,\"_content_block_image\":\"content_block_image\",\"content_block_heading\":\"Postdoctoral Research Fellows Program\",\"_content_block_heading\":\"content_block_heading\",\"content_block_body\":\"Our Postdoctoral Research Fellows Program aims to be a best-in-industry experience for Ph.D. graduates, providing academic focus in a large pharmaceutical environment.\",\"_content_block_body\":\"content_block_body\",\"content_block_cta\":{\"title\":\"Learn more about our program\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/research\/postdoctoral-research-fellows-program\/\",\"target\":\"\"},\"_content_block_cta\":\"content_block_cta\",\"content_block_aria_label\":\"\",\"_content_block_aria_label\":\"content_block_aria_label\",\"content_block_optional_cta\":\"\",\"_content_block_optional_cta\":\"content_block_optional_cta\",\"content_block_optional_cta_aria_label\":\"\",\"_content_block_optional_cta_aria_label\":\"content_block_optional_cta_aria_label\",\"content_block_optional_tag\":\"\",\"_content_block_optional_tag\":\"content_block_optional_tag\",\"content_block_video\":\"\",\"_content_block_video\":\"content_block_video\",\"content_media_position\":\"left\",\"_content_media_position\":\"content_media_position\",\"brightcove_account_id\":\"\",\"_brightcove_account_id\":\"bright_cove_account_id\",\"content_block_video_accessible_name\":\"\",\"_content_block_video_accessible_name\":\"content_block_video_accessible_name\",\"content_block_play_button_accessible_name\":\"\",\"_content_block_play_button_accessible_name\":\"content_block_play_button_accessible_name\",\"content_block_popup_accessible_name\":\"\",\"_content_block_popup_accessible_name\":\"content_block_popup_accessible_name\",\"content_block_popup_close_button_accessible_name\":\"\",\"_content_block_popup_close_button_accessible_name\":\"content_block_popup_close_button_accessible_name\"},\"mode\":\"edit\"} \/-->\n\n<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where we work<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Research based on innovation is at the core of who we are and what we do. It starts with the capabilities and expertise at our facilities, but we're open to collaboration anywhere the science leads us. <a href=\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/research\/rd-locations\/\">View all of our R&amp;D locations. <\/a><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:acf\/four-column-content-block {\"name\":\"acf\/four-column-content-block\",\"data\":{\"center_the_block\":\"0\",\"_center_the_block\":\"mco_four_column_content_block_position\",\"col_one_image\":3638512,\"_col_one_image\":\"mco_four_column_content_block_col_one_image\",\"col_one_tag\":\"\",\"_col_one_tag\":\"mco_four_column_content_block_col_one_tag\",\"col_one_title\":\"Rahway\",\"_col_one_title\":\"mco_four_column_content_block_col_one_title\",\"col_one_content\":\"\",\"_col_one_content\":\"mco_four_column_content_block_col_one_content\",\"col_one_wysiwyg\":\"\",\"_col_one_wysiwyg\":\"mco_four_column_content_block_col_one_wysiwyg\",\"col_two_image\":24267,\"_col_two_image\":\"mco_four_column_content_block_col_two_image\",\"col_two_tag\":\"\",\"_col_two_tag\":\"mco_four_column_content_block_col_two_tag\",\"col_two_title\":\"South San Francisco\",\"_col_two_title\":\"mco_four_column_content_block_col_two_title\",\"col_two_content\":\"\",\"_col_two_content\":\"mco_four_column_content_block_col_two_content\",\"col_two_wysiwyg\":\"\",\"_col_two_wysiwyg\":\"mco_four_column_content_block_col_two_wysiwyg\",\"col_three_image\":465605,\"_col_three_image\":\"mco_four_column_content_block_col_three_image\",\"col_three_tag\":\"\",\"_col_three_tag\":\"mco_four_column_content_block_col_three_tag\",\"col_three_title\":\"Boston\",\"_col_three_title\":\"mco_four_column_content_block_col_three_title\",\"col_three_content\":\"\",\"_col_three_content\":\"mco_four_column_content_block_col_three_content\",\"col_three_wysiwyg\":\"\",\"_col_three_wysiwyg\":\"mco_four_column_content_block_col_three_wysiwyg\",\"col_four_image\":3638498,\"_col_four_image\":\"mco_four_column_content_block_col_four_image\",\"col_four_tag\":\"\",\"_col_four_tag\":\"mco_four_column_content_block_col_four_tag\",\"col_four_title\":\"London\",\"_col_four_title\":\"mco_four_column_content_block_col_four_title\",\"col_four_content\":\"\",\"_col_four_content\":\"mco_four_column_content_block_col_four_content\",\"col_four_wysiwyg\":\"\",\"_col_four_wysiwyg\":\"mco_four_column_content_block_col_four_wysiwyg\"},\"mode\":\"edit\",\"className\":\"mt-2 mb-2\"} \/-->\n\n<!-- wp:acf\/content-teaser-cards {\"name\":\"acf\/content-teaser-cards\",\"data\":{\"title\":\"Read our R\\u0026D stories\",\"_title\":\"mco_content_teaser_cards_title\",\"description\":\"\",\"_description\":\"mco_content_teaser_cards_description\",\"cta_one\":\"\",\"_cta_one\":\"mco_content_teaser_cards_block_cta_one\",\"cta_one_aria_label\":\"\",\"_cta_one_aria_label\":\"mco_content_teaser_cards_block_cta_one_aria_label\",\"card_count\":\"3\",\"_card_count\":\"mco_content_teaser_cards_count\",\"show_tags\":\"0\",\"_show_tags\":\"mco_content_teaser_cards_block_show_tags\",\"use_automatic_height\":\"0\",\"_use_automatic_height\":\"mco_content_teaser_cards_block_use_automatic_height\",\"content_selection\":\"manual\",\"_content_selection\":\"mco_content_teaser_cards_content_selection\",\"story_one\":3656255,\"_story_one\":\"mco_content_teaser_cards_block_story_one\",\"story_two\":3648746,\"_story_two\":\"mco_content_teaser_cards_block_story_two\",\"story_three\":3669134,\"_story_three\":\"mco_content_teaser_cards_block_story_three\"},\"mode\":\"edit\",\"className\":\"mb-2\"} \/-->\n\n<!-- wp:acf\/featured-banner-block {\"name\":\"acf\/featured-banner-block\",\"data\":{\"mco_featured_banner_negative\":\"1\",\"_mco_featured_banner_negative\":\"mco_featured_banner_negative_294ytohe\",\"image\":3622455,\"_image\":\"mco_featured_banner_block_image\",\"image_alt_text\":\"\",\"_image_alt_text\":\"mco_featured_banner_block_image_alt_text\",\"title\":\"Careers in R\\u0026D\",\"_title\":\"mco_featured_banner_block_title\",\"description\":\"We're calling all aspiring world-class scientists who want to be a part of cutting-edge work to save and improve lives.\",\"_description\":\"mco_featured_banner_block_description\",\"content_label\":\"\",\"_content_label\":\"mco_featured_banner_block_content_label\",\"cta_one\":{\"title\":\"Explore the possibilities\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/jobs.merck.com\/us\/en\/research-laboratories\",\"target\":\"\"},\"_cta_one\":\"mco_featured_banner_block_cta_one\",\"cta_two\":\"\",\"_cta_two\":\"mco_featured_banner_block_cta_two\"},\"mode\":\"edit\"} \/-->","post_title":"Research","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"research","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-09-29 14:02:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-09-29 18:02:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/?page_id=47","menu_order":3,"post_type":"page","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},"subheader_title":"Meet three HIV advocates who are using their stories to uplift, spark change, and create spaces of healing and hope across continents","secondary_image":false,"video_hosting_selection":"youtube","youtube_url":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=qq84SPU8HSk","video_accessible_name":"","primary_cta":"Read more","primary_cta_aria_label":"","secondary_cta":"","secondary_cta_aria_label":"","mco_page_tracking_data":"var utag_data = { \r\npage_type : \"patients\",\r\npage_audience : \"patients and consumers\",\r\npage_therapeuticarea : \"infectious diseases\",\r\npage_reputationdriver : \"citizenship\",\r\npage_contenttopic : \"health awareness\",\r\npage_secondarycontenttag : \"hiv voices, infectious diseases, hiv\",\r\npage_theme : \"infectious diseases\",\r\npage_milestone : \"none\"\r\n} ;","related_content_item_one_aria_label":"Patients","related_content_item_two_aria_label":"","related_content_item_three_aria_label":"Research","mcc_page_job_number":""}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/story\/3672856","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/story"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/story"}],"version-history":[{"count":35,"href":"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/story\/3672856\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3675428,"href":"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/story\/3672856\/revisions\/3675428"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3675376"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3672856"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3672856"},{"taxonomy":"content_topic","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/content_topic?post=3672856"},{"taxonomy":"Admin Field","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/admin_field?post=3672856"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}