Shire and AmeriCare

Putting patients first around the world

Shire’s expanding partnership with AmeriCares continues to provide underserved communities around the world with access to medicines and high-quality healthcare.

Since 2001, Shire has been working with AmeriCares to donate specialty medicines that have supported much needed treatment for patients in 48 countries. In 2012, AmeriCares and Shire expanded their partnership to provide needed charitable access to rare disease patients suffering from Fabry disease, Gaucher disease and Hunter syndrome (MPS II).

“We are proud to partner with Shire to deliver critically needed medicines to healthcare providers in the poorest regions of the world. For more than a decade we have been working together to restore health and save lives, and we look forward to expanding our partnership to help patients suffering from rare diseases,” says Christoph Gorder, Senior Vice President of AmeriCares’ Global Program Operations.

Shire has been a partner in AmeriCares Emergency Response Activities, helping with the cholera outbreak in Zimbabwe in 2009, AmeriCares’ Darfur response in 2007 and hurricane response in Mexico 2007 and 2009. In addition, Shire has helped respond to special requests, such as supporting a Health Worker Safety Initiative in Tanzania.

The World Health Organization estimates one-third of the world’s population —nearly 2 billion people- lack access to essential medicines. Through its Global Medical Assistance program, AmeriCares helps address this lack of access by providing ongoing medical supplies to 2,500 hospitals, clinics and community health programs worldwide. Founded in 1982, AmeriCares celebrates its 30th anniversary having delivered more than $10 billion worth of aid to 164 countries, thanks to the support of organizations such as Shire.

“AmeriCares shares Shire’s passion for providing access to quality medical care for patients in need, globally,” says Donna Roman, Shire’s Senior Director of Philanthropy and Patient Services. “We are proud to expand our partnership to reach Fabry, Hereditary Angioedema, Gaucher and MPS II patients.”