Merck remembers Dr. William Foege, Architect of Early Mectizan® Delivery Efforts - Merck.com

Merck remembers Dr. William Foege, Architect of Early Mectizan® Delivery Efforts Download icon Save as PDF February 3, 2026 4:32 pm EST Dr. Bill Foege (center) pictured with President Jimmy Carter (left) and Dr. Roy Vagelos, former Merck CEO (right) at the Mectizan Donation Program’s 25th anniversary celebration in 2012. (Photo by Kay Hinton) RAHWAY, N.J., Feb. 3, 2025 –Dr. William (Bill) Foege, who passed away on January 24, 2026, was a visionary in disease eradication and a global health champion. Dr. Foege was instrumental in the early success of the Mectizan ® Donation Program (MDP). Following our decision to donate the product in 1987, Dr. Foege organized and chaired the Mectizan® Expert Committee for 12 years to ensure that the medicine reached people in need. His previous experience in efforts to eradicate smallpox helped shape early Mectizan® delivery. He also co-founded the Task Force for Global Health, which serves as the Secretariat for the MDP, building a lasting legacy of collaboration that continues to drive progress in global health. We share in the grief of all those whose lives were touched by Dr. Foege. His compassion, scientific leadership, and lifelong commitment to public health will continue to inspire our Company and the pursuit of a healthier future. — Company newsroom — sourced from Merck. Matter furnished by the company. Not a Notice Nearby paid placement. This page reprints matter furnished by the company from its official newsroom. Notice Nearby did not write this release. Read the original: https://www.merck.com/news/merck-remembers-dr-william-foege-architect-of-early-mectizan-delivery-efforts