IN BRIEF (Page 10)

Health study

Global healthcare conglomerate Pfizer Inc and microfinance specialist PlaNet Finance are collaborating on an in-depth research project on the healthcare needs of poverty-stricken people in China. The study will examine the availability and existing sources of medicine, patient purchasing patterns, and the level of access to medical services. The study's ultimate aim is to help both organizations identify models that may enhance and expand access to medicine and healthcare services for the poor in China.

ZTE Corp

ZTE Corporation, a China-based global provider of telecommunications equipment and network solutions, announced that it has become a member of the United Nations Global Compact. As a member of this global cooperation social responsibility (CSR) agency, ZTE will strictly abide the Ten Principles of the Global Compact in developing and carrying out its CSR programs.

Helping female grads

Rose Fund, affiliated with China Women's Development Foundation, decided at its recent annual meeting that its key work this year will be helping poverty-stricken female graduates find jobs.

The fund is sponsored by beauty chain operator EverCare Medical Institute with an initial donation of 1 million yuan, and engaged in providing aids to disadvantaged women in China.

Pharma firm's CSR

Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical (Group) Co Ltd has issued its first corporate social responsibility (CSR) report, making it the first Chinese pharmaceutical enterprise to release a report of this kind.

The report highlighted how the company provided qualified and affordable products to local people and the efforts it has taken to support improved medical care in China's underdeveloped rural areas.

Kids with leukemia

The Chinese Red Cross Foundation has just announced it will provide free medical treatment for 128 children with leukemia from poor families with a fund of 1.92 million yuan.

During the last four years, the foundation has offered 15.96 million yuan to 418 such children.

(China Daily 04/06/2009 page10)