Working directly with humanitarian partners to help address the growing health care crisis, Abbott is expanding its support for relief efforts in Haiti. The company will provide $2.5 million in grant funding and donations of critical pharmaceutical and nutritional products to humanitarian aid organizations.

An initial quantity of Abbott pharmaceutical and nutritional products are already in use in several locations in Haiti as a result of prior work with Direct Relief International to strategically pre-position essential health care products in preparation for potential natural disasters. These products include antibiotics, rehydration solutions and additional nutritional products that are in critical need following the earthquake in Haiti. Abbott will continue to work with relief partners to assess and respond to ongoing needs for longer-term recovery efforts.

Haiti relief efforts build on Abbott's existing philanthropic partnerships to expand access to health care in the country. Since 2007, Abbott and the Abbott Fund have provided more than $34 million in grants and product donations to help address health needs in Haiti, including maternal and child health, diabetes, HIV/AIDS and malnutrition.

Abbott is a global, broad-based health care company devoted to the discovery, development, manufacturing and marketing of pharmaceuticals and medical products, including nutritionals, devices and diagnostics. The company employs more than 72,000 people and markets its products in more than 130 countries.

The Abbott Fund is a philanthropic foundation established by Abbott in 1951. The Abbott Fund's mission is to create healthier global communities by investing in creative ideas that promote science, expand access to health care and strengthen communities worldwide.