ABBOTT

A COMPANY TAKES ON RESPONSIBILITY

Research and Innovation

Since the discovery of the HI-Virus Abbott has been at the forefront of HIV/Aids research. In 1985 Abbott developed the first licensed test to detect HIV antibodies in the blood. In 1996 the company introduced the first protease inhibitor to the world market. In 2000 their second generation protease inhibitor turned them into the global market leader. Since September 2006 it has been possible to administer the inhibitor in a revolutionary new form due to a technological process developed by Abbott in Germany. Thanks to this innovative formula the HIV tablet no longer needs refrigeration and can be taken without food, which simplifies treatment considerably. This is an advantage particularly also in those countries where the necessary infrastructure is lacking.

Prevention and Support

Abbott supports various regional Aids self-help groups as well as the expertise network HIV/Aids in Germany. A German-wide prevention campaign under the motto "Eyes Open in the Garden of Desire – Condoms Protect" was initiated.
Abbott has been a partner of the Joachim Franz Team since 2005. The Team, through many campaigns across different countries, has played a leading role in bringing HIV/Aids into the public eye. In 2007 a federal awareness campaign was started with the "Be-Your-Own-Hero-Tour". This 21 day cycle tour in the shape of a giant red Aids ribbon targeted cities around Germany on its 4,000 km route (for further details please refer to the German web-site: http://www.deutschland-setzt-ein-zeichen.de).
In 2007 the series "Aids 2007" was started in a cooperation between Abbott and the Medical Tribune. A four-page special was also published in 2007 in the regular supplement of the "Süddeutsche Zeitung" called "Health and Medicine". This six-part series covered a range of topical issues relating to HIV with articles like "Aids in Germany", "Aids across the Globe", and "Therapy – the current state and development".

Global Responsibility

Abbott has also assumed international responsibility for combating the HIV pandemic through various prevention projects. For many years Abbott has been committed to a number of programs and campaigns that focus on health awareness and prevention, but also the access to medication:
The Abbott Laboratories Fund’s "Step Forward" program helps support orphans and children made vulnerable due to HIV/Aids in India, Tanzania, Burkina Faso, and Romania by contributing grants, product donations, and the expertise of Abbott volunteers. "Step Forward" addresses specific community needs in four interrelated areas: health care services and infrastructure; voluntary HIV counseling and testing; education; and basic community needs, such as clean water. "Step Forward" works closely with governments and NGOs. For more information, please visit www.stepforwardforchildren.org.
Since 2001 more than 500,000 children affected by Aids and their families have been supported. The Abbott Fund works closely with the consultancy Axios International and the Baylor College of Medicine. In the context of PMTCT programs (Preventing Mother To Child Transmission), Abbott provides free-of-charge rapid Aids tests in more than 69 developing countries. In 2002 Abbott started one of the most comprehensive initiatives in Africa: The Abbott Fund formed a unique and collaborative public-private partnership with the Government of Tanzania to transform and upgrade the countries public health system. With more than $40 million invested to date, the Abbott Fund is helping to modernize medical institutions, training personnel, improving patient management, and extending HIV testing and treatment capacities.