From Drug Discovery To Medical Donation:

The Fight Against River Blindness

 

SUMMIT, New Jersey, (October 6, 2006) – Dr. William C. Campbell, a Summit resident and Christ Church member who is widely acclaimed for discovering an effective treatment for River Blindness and spearheading the decision of his employer, Merck & Co., to distribute the drug free of charge to the millions of people who need it, will be featured in an Adult Education program of Christ Church in Summit, NJ, on October 15^th  from 10:30 am to noon.  He will be joined by Kenneth Gustavsen, who currently manages the Merck Product Donation program. 

 

The development of the drug ivermectin, branded as Mectizan, for the prevention of River Blindness and its distribution free of charge in the countries where River Blindness is widespread, is one of the most remarkable chapters in the control of infectious diseases.

 

River Blindness is a parasitic worm infection that is transmitted by blackflies and affects millions of people primarily in Africa, Central and South America and Yemen. The worms live in disfiguring nodules inside the human body and cause severe itching. If the infection reaches the eye, blindness is likely to result.

 

Dr. Campbell, as Director of Parasitology at Merck, played a major role in the development of ivermectin and recognized its value for the prevention of River Blindness.  In recognition of this and other discoveries, he was elected to the National Academy of Science.  Since retiring from Merck, he has been a Research Fellow at Drew University. Mr. Kenneth Gustavsen is Manager of Global Product Donations for Merck & Co., Inc.  His responsibilities include the management and strategic development of all activities associated with the Merck Mectizan Donation Program for River Blindness.  Ken also manages Merck’s donations of other pharmaceutical products and vaccines through the Merck Medical Outreach Program.  In 2005 he oversaw Merck’s donation of $437M worth of medicines to health programs and disaster response efforts throughout the developing world.  A graduate of United States Naval Academy, Ken formerly directed post-war relief and developments in Kosovo for the non-profit agency World Relief.  Both speakers will present illustrated talks.

 

This free event is open to the community.     

 

 

WHAT:           A presentation on the discovery and distribution of a treatment for River Blindness

 

WHERE:        Christ Church, Barnwell Hall, 561 Springfield Avenue, Summit, New Jersey.

 

WHEN:           Sunday, Oct 15, 2006 from 10:30 am to 12:00 noon. 

 

For more information, please contact Cheryl Levy 

 

 

 

About Christ Church

 

Christ Church (www.ChristChurchSummit.org) is an interdenominational, and open and affirming, congregation that is affiliated with the United Church of Christ and the American Baptist Churches.  Located at 561 Springfield Avenue, the Christ Church faith community is engaged in numerous activities, including community service, adult education, children's and youth activities, Bible study, regional and global outreach and cultural events.  All are welcome at the Church’s 9:30 family service (with Sunday school) or 11:15 jazz service, both taking place each Sunday morning.

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