MSD powers ahead with its sustainable development

In the aftermath of Typhoon Yagi, which recently devastated the northern region of Vietnam, Katharina Geppert, in her capacity as managing director of MSD Vietnam and as a board member of the Pharma Group under the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam, has been collaborating with her employees and industry peers to devise practical solutions to aid affected communities in their recovery efforts.

Katherina Geppert, managing director of MSD Vietnam

For example, MSD Vietnam is finalising documents in order to donate VND300 million (over $12,000) to the Hope Foundation to assist communities impacted by the typhoon.

Geppert, who took on her new role in July, shared her own experiences and love for the country, where she has lived and worked for nearly four years.

“It has been an honour and privilege to collaborate with MSD Vietnam’s team of more than 300 people to make a significant impact on this nation,” Geppert said.

MSD is one of the world’s leading biopharmaceutical companies, with a history spanning over 130 years. Among its four key sustainability goals, access to health and environmental sustainability are top priorities.

Many of MSD’s innovative products available in Vietnam are life-saving, including antibiotics for treating multiresistant infections in intensive care units, immune-oncology treatments, and various preventive vaccines.

In 2017, MSD became the first company to introduce immunotherapy for cancer treatment in the country. To date, this therapy has been approved by the Ministry of Health for 27 indications across 13 different types of tumours, including lung, breast, and head and neck cancers, with many more indications pending approval.

MSD has also pioneered the introduction of polyvalent vaccines in Vietnam, including those for over 20 types of pneumococcal disease and nine types of human papillomavirus.

“With over 15 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, I understand the challenges faced by Vietnam’s healthcare system. We are deeply committed to accelerating patient access to MSD’s innovative vaccines and treatments, particularly for those with rare diseases,” Geppert explained.

These achievements are not just numbers – they represent countless stories of lives transformed and hope restored, she added.

In terms of environmental sustainability, MSD’s 2023/2024 Impact Report covers the company’s proactive approach to addressing climate change, particularly its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2045.

For six consecutive years, MSD has been honoured with the Green Chemistry Challenge Awards, sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency and the American Chemical Society. The company currently holds the top position in the industry and also ranks 38th on Barron’s 2024 list of the Top 100 Most Sustainable US Companies.

Additionally, MSD has secured the top spot in Newsweek’s list of America’s Most Responsible Companies, among many other prestigious accolades.

Geppert is advocating for all of MSD Vietnam’s sustainability initiatives, including reducing plastic waste, conserving energy, minimising waste from printing and event production, and organising waste collection in cities where the company holds its annual national meetings, such as Nha Trang, Phan Thiet, and soon, Dalat.

Beyond environmental initiatives, over the past two years, MSD Vietnam has held blood donation days, with participation from over 200 employees and their families.

This October, the company will partner with the American Chamber of Commerce in Ho Chi Minh City to host a blood donation day at MSD’s office, fostering a culture of humanitarian blood donation and continuing to make a positive impact on society.

Reflecting on her deep affection for Vietnam, Geppert shared that she feels fortunate to work with exceptional teams, collaborating with the Ministry of Health, healthcare professionals, and vaccination officers to improve the health of Vietnamese citizens. She also endured the challenges of the recent COVID-19 pandemic alongside the city’s residents and her colleagues.

MSD Vietnam proactive in combating COVID-19 Operating for over two decades in Vietnam, Merck Sharp and Dohme (MSD), known as Merck in the United States and Canada, continues striving to make a difference in the health of the nation and the lives of Vietnamese people.

MSD Vietnam maintaining care in pandemic times The disruption of routine care has been an indirect impact of the pandemic that must be immediately addressed. Jennifer Cox, general director of MSD Vietnam, talked to VIR’s Bich Thuy about how MSD, known as Merck & Co., Inc. in the US and Canada, has played an active role in supporting the return to routine care amid the pandemic.

MSD Vietnam and Red Cross host first blood donation day MSD Vietnam has hosted a blood donation day for the first time in collaboration with the Red Cross, in District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City, with the participation of more than 100 employees and their family members.

MSD Vietnam inaugurates new office in Hanoi Biopharma company MSD Vietnam, known as Merck & Co. in the US and Canada, inaugurated its new office in Hanoi on July 7.

MSD placing further investment in Vietnam to make a difference MSD Vietnam this month inaugurated a new office in Hanoi and expanded a storage warehouse in Cat Lai Industrial Zone in Ho Chi Minh City. VIR’s Hoang Anh talked to managing director Jennifer Cox on the forward-looking strategy of the company.

MSD Vietnam honoured with AmCham CSR award by US ambassador US Ambassador Marc E. Knapper presented MSD in Vietnam, a corporate social responsibility award from the American Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam, on December 6 for its continuous efforts in bringing a positive impact to society.

MSD Vietnam’s empowering workplace Pharma company MSD Vietnam has been recognised at the HR Asia Awards 2024 for its exceptional human resource policies.