Merck, known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, has been named to Fortune’s 2022 Change the World list. The annual list recognizes companies that have had a positive social impact through activities that are part of their core business strategy. Merck was selected for its work expanding global access to the company’s human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines.

“It’s an honor for Merck to be included on Fortune’s 2022 Change the World List, and recognized for making our HPV vaccines available to communities around the world,” said Robert M. Davis, chief executive officer and president, Merck. “This is the third time over the last five years that our company has been on this list and we are very proud of being acknowledged for the positive impact we continue to make on global health. Our commitment and efforts in this space reflect Merck’s distinguished legacy of operating responsibly and creating value for society. Importantly, we know that even more needs to be done to advance health equity, and our team is inspired and passionate about finding new ways to bring our medicines and vaccines to people and communities everywhere.”

Merck’s access strategy for our HPV vaccines is fully aligned to the company’s Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) strategy, and specifically Merck’s commitment to expand access for people and communities around the globe.

This recognition marks the third time in five years that Merck has been included on Fortune’s Change the World list. Merck was previously recognized in 2018 for its leadership in the fight against Ebola, and in 2020 for its impact investing program. Fortune selects companies for this honor based on a set of criteria including the measurable social impact of their work to meet unmet social needs, the links between this work and successful business results, the degree of innovation demonstrated and integration of their socially beneficial work into their larger corporate identity.