In memory of President Jimmy Carter, 1924–2024
Honoring a life and legacy of profound impact for global health
December 29, 2024
Former President Jimmy Carter exemplified a life of service, first through his governorship and presidency, and later through the Carter Center and its commitment to improving the health and well-being of those most in need. We are privileged to have worked side-by-side with President Carter and the Carter Center on its ongoing work to eliminate river blindness in countries throughout Africa and Latin America.
Over decades of our partnership through the Mectizan® Donation Program, the Carter Center has distributed more than 500 million treatments in our shared efforts to donate Mectizan — as much as needed, for as long as needed.
While President Carter did not want to take credit for the program, all of us at MSD know it was his leadership and commitment to global health that made this a reality.
We share in the grief of all those whose lives have been touched by President Carter. They are a living testament to his compassion, selflessness and generosity.
President Carter’s memory will guide and inspire us as we continue our work for patients and communities.
May he rest in the peace he wished for the world.
Pictured above: Jimmy Carter and retired MSD CEO Dr. Roy Vagelos meet with people affected by river blindness, 1994.
