Another flagship year for J&J as quake relief work is recognized

Johnson & Johnson, the US pharmaceuticals, medical devices and consumer products giant, said it has had another accomplished year for its corporate social responsibility activities in China.

Named in March as best in the country for employee engagement by AmCham Shanghai, the company carried out a variety of high-profile CSR activities targeting people of all ages－but it was its disaster-relief efforts in the wake of the Zhaotong earthquake in Yunnan province in August that gained the most plaudits.

Those included donating healthcare aid packages to thousands of people in some of the worst-affected towns and villages. The company also provided cash donations to many relief organizations, including the Post-Quake Psychological Rehabilitation Aid Program for Children, run by the China Children & Teenager Fund.

Many of its employees also volunteered to offer long-term study and lifestyle support to children affected by the disaster.

"Our contributions to the relief effort in Yunnan exemplify how we fulfill our responsibility as an industry leader and corporate citizen," said Ernie Knewitz, the company's vice-president of global media relations.

Johnson & Johnson has had a business presence in China since 1985, and has consistently advanced its corporate social responsibility and citizenship work in the country for nearly 30 years, he said, adding that over the past decade it has initiated dozens of philanthropic health education programs in the country.

"Our CSR approach in China is consistent with the distinct and unique needs of China," Knewitz said.

Last year the company supported 12 programs including those supporting the training of village doctors, nurses and midwives.

David Fu, chairman of Johnson & Johnson's China CSR Council, said the work offered professional skills training to health workers in many underdeveloped areas, helping improve healthcare capacity and strengthen local medical skills development.

It also assisted with the Fuyang AIDS Orphan Salvation Association, which helped take care of more than 876 orphans suffering from the disease.

The company received its first China Charity Award in the spring of 2013.

"This honor from the Ministry of Civil Affairs represents recognition and affirmation of our company as a CSR leader in China," said Fu.

"It will serve as a source of motivation for us to continue to fulfill our social responsibilities in a sustainable way."

During 2010-2011, the company donated 123 million yuan ($19.77 million) to charitable programs in China across more than 40 CSR programs.

It was a global partner to the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, and was a major sponsor of the US pavilion at World Expo 2010 in Shanghai.