The multinational’s commitment goes from pharmaceuticals to agriculture
Bayer, in a statement published today, says she is “surprised and embittered by the attack on freedom and democracy that threatens peace and security in Europe and beyond”.
“In these difficult times, our thoughts and solidarity are with the people of Ukraine”comments the CEO of Bayer Werner Baumann. “The safety of our employees is now our top priority. We are doing everything possible to ensure the supply of our products to the civilian population – including vital medicines and agricultural products to safeguard the food supply.”.
To address this situation, Bayer AG has announced a donation 3 million euros to contribute to emergency measures. The contribution will benefit the international and local humanitarian aid organizations engaged in Ukraine and in the neighboring states of Eastern Europe, of which € 300,000 will be immediately earmarked for the Red Cross to contribute to the first emergencies and needs.
In addition, Bayer sent at the request of the Ukrainian Ministry of Health a supply of antibiotics and medical products which, despite adversity, have reached Ukraine and will alleviate the health conditions of 27,000 patients.
In addition to this, Bayer will continue to ensure that basic human needs in the health and nutrition sectors are met in the future. The company will continue to provide its patients with medicines according to the rules of international humanitarian law. A suspension of deliveries for cancer or cardiovascular patients would not be ethically justifiable and would have a heavy impact on Russia’s civilian population and betray corporate values.
By employees a voluntary campaign of donation always in favor of the Red Cross which, in just 10 days, reached the important figure of 800.000 euro to which the company will add an additional figure to increase support.
In addition, for the benefit of Ukrainian colleagues and their families in difficulty, a internal platform where everyone can offer temporary accommodation to employees working in war zones.
To these initiatives are added local volunteer campaigns driven by the employees themselves.
The company is in close contact with local authorities and international humanitarian organizations to analyze the unstable situation in the country and decide on further support measures and product donations to continue providing the necessary support.