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DARMSTADT, Germany, Nov. 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Merck today announced the continued expansion of Embracing Carers™. The global initiative, led by Merck in collaboration with leading carer organizations around the world, seeks to increase awareness, discussion, and action about the often-overlooked needs of carers. At the one-year anniversary since the launch of the global movement, Embracing Carers™ has made tangible progress in building awareness and implementing practical solutions to support carers.

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"Carers are a hidden pillar within the healthcare system," said Belén Garijo, Member of the Executive Board and CEO Healthcare at Merck. "They are critical contributors to the health and wellbeing of patients, which very often affects the carer's health as well as financial, personal and professional development. We at Merck are committed to support the needs of carers and to help raise awareness of their role as a global health priority."

With a continued focus on the pillars of awareness raising, as well as stakeholder, healthcare system, and policy engagement, Embracing Carers™ has undertaken a series of innovative activities in 2018.

Increasing Global Awareness

• Working with leading advocacy organizations and stakeholders, Embracing Carers™ has launched in Brazil. An in-country survey showed that despite unpaid carers feeling supported by family and finding their role rewarding, their role impacts their own physical and mental health.
• Embracing Carers™ has undertaken a dedicated roundtable meeting with health, advocacy and academic leaders in Shanghai, China. The discussion explored the opportunities to support carers within China, and how Embracing Carers™ along with its national and international advisors can increase support and recognition of the crucial role that carers play in the country.
• To help the many thousands of unidentified carers around the world, Embracing Carers™ is launching an international social media campaign via Facebook that aims to tell carer stories to help individuals who are yet to identify as a carer to reflect on their own daily lives.

Engaging Healthcare Systems and Activating Policy

With support from Embracing Carers™, the International Alliance of Carer Organizations (IACO) will publish a Global State of Care Report, which has been developed to provide a global assessment of unpaid carer needs and best practices across Australia, Canada, France, Germany, India, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom and the United States. The Report will be launched at the International Forum on Care and Caregiving in Toronto, Canada on November 22, 2018.

"Recognition and support of carers is a global priority. Since its launch, Embracing Carers™ has made positive steps to bring visibility and advance actions for caregivers," said Nadine Henningsen, IACO Board Chair. "IACO, along with the other strategic advisors, will continue to guide Embracing Carers™ and leverage advocacy resources, such as the Global State of Care Report, to continue building on this momentum."

Broadening Stakeholder Engagement to Foster Best Practice
IACO, with the support of Embracing Carers™, is developing a series of Innovative Carer Practices (ICPs) that will showcase evidence-informed practices that enhance the quality and effectiveness of integrated care for carers to identify, spread and scale promising practices for carers. ICPs from France, Ireland, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom will be showcased across the world throughout 2018 and 2019.

Embracing Carers™ has provided support to leading patient organizations who are leading efforts targeted to patients and carers globally.

Embracing Carers™ is a global movement led by Merck in collaboration with leading carer organizations around the world to increase awareness and discussion about the often-overlooked needs of carers. The initiative plays a major role in raising awareness about the importance of carers as a global health priority. For more information on Embracing Carers™, visit our website at www.embracingcarers.com

About Embracing Carers™
Launched in 2017, Embracing Carers^TM is a global initiative led by Merck in collaboration with leading carer organizations around the world to increase awareness and discussion about the often-overlooked needs of carers.

The Embracing Carers™ global advisors include Caregiver Action Network, Carers Australia, Carers Canada, Carers UK, Carers Worldwide, Eurocarers, National Alliance for Caregiving, International Alliance of Carer Organizations (IACO) and Shanghai Roots & Shoots, China.

About Merck
Merck is a leading science and technology company in healthcare, life science and performance materials. Around 50,000 employees work to further develop technologies that improve and enhance life – from biopharmaceutical therapies to treat cancer or multiple sclerosis, cutting-edge systems for scientific research and production, to liquid crystals for smartphones and LCD televisions. In 2016, Merck generated sales of € 15.0 billion in 66 countries.

Founded in 1668, Merck is the world's oldest pharmaceutical and chemical company. The founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed corporate group. Merck holds the global rights to the Merck name and brand. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the company operates as EMD Serono, MilliporeSigma and EMD Performance Materials.

About the International Alliance of Carer Organizations (IACO)
Incorporated in 2012, the International Alliance of Carer Organizations (IACO) is a global coalition of 15-member nations committed to building a global understanding and respect for the vital role of family carers. Recognized as an official NGO by the United Nations, IACO  works to improve the quality of life and support the needs of carers, through international partnerships and advocacy that strengthens and honors the voice of carers. To learn more, visit www.internationalcarers.org.

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SOURCE Merck