Pfizer program sends employees to overseas AIDS groups (16383)

Pfizer on Thursday announced its fourth class of Global Health Fellows, a group of 19 Pfizer employees from North America, Europe, and Australia who will be paired with nongovernmental organizations and a U.S. government initiative to help fight HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, and other diseases in developing nations. Since the launch of the program in 2003, more than 50 Pfizer colleagues have undertaken international volunteer assignments of up to six months in duration. The fellows utilize their skills in science, technology, communications, health education, and finance to train researchers and health care providers, develop and implement communications programs, and upgrade facilities and technological resources.

"By applying their expertise to meet critically important public health challenges, our global health fellows make lasting contributions that benefit people and communities long after the fellowships have ended," said Hank McKinnell, Pfizer chairman and CEO, in a press statement. "Their skill and commitment are essential resources in fighting devastating disease."

Many of this year's fellows will work with programs supported by the five-year, $15 billion President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, according to Pfizer. The International AIDS Vaccine Initiative also is among the nongovernmental organizations that will receive assistance from the fellowship program.

"By lending us their most important and valuable asset--their people--Pfizer sets a great example for the private sector to engage in the fight against global HIV/AIDS," said Randall Tobias, U.S. global AIDS coordinator, who oversees PEPFAR programs and funding. "On-the-ground expertise provided by Pfizer fellows will help countries build the capacity they need to turn the tide against HIV/AIDS."

Pfizer's Global Health Fellows are selected through a competitive process at the company, in which participants are selected for their desire to make a difference in the world, their strengths in teaching and training, and their enthusiasm to see their work carried on by local teams. Pfizer funds transportation, lodging, and other expenses for the employees while they serve their fellowships.

For more information on the Pfizer Global Health Fellows program go online to www.pfizerphilanthropy.com.