In the global community
Wherever AstraZeneca is located worldwide, we aim to make a positive contribution to our local communities through charitable donations, sponsorships and other initiatives that help to make a difference. In particular, we aim to ensure that our community activities focus on bringing benefit in ways that are consistent with our business of improving health and quality of life, and on promoting the value of science among young people.
In 2007, we spent a total of $588 million on community sponsorships and charitable donations worldwide, including $518 million on product donations, valued at average wholesale prices. In 2006, our product donations totalled $443 million, down from $835 million the previous year. This decrease reflected the implementation of Medicare Part D in the US, a change that meant more people now have prescription drug coverage through the federal system. Already a leader in providing patient assistance in the US, AstraZeneca launched a new programme in November 2006 for those enrolled in Medicare Part D, but who still have financial difficulty affording their medicines. We also extended the reach of our US patient assistance programmes by expanding qualifying income levels during 2006. The financial commitment associated with these initiatives is reflected in our 2007 spend.
