Merck Korea, the Korean branch of Germany-based chemical firm Merck Group, said Thursday that it would join “Take the Next Baby Steps,” an annual campaign cosponsored by its headquarters, to show its support for couples struggling with infertility.

Designed to help raise more awareness on infertility, the campaign is cosponsored by the Asia Pacific Initiative on Reproduction, the Korea Society for Reproductive Medicine and Merck Serono, the pharmaceutical business unit of Merck Group. It will kick off this month in 10 Asian nations including South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia and Taiwan.

“Take the Next Baby Steps is committed to delivering accurate information and encouraging couples in need of help,” said an official from Merck Korea. “This way, Merck Korea hopes to give infertile couples hope and courage.”

Infertility is estimated to affect 1 in 7 Korean couples, and 1 in 10 Asian couples overall. It also has become more widespread globally due to a variety of factors such as more women delaying childbearing, wider exposure to environmental toxins and rising obesity rates. Despite the growing awareness, there are still lingering misconceptions about the actual cause and treatment, according to industry watchers.

Merck Korea said it hopes to help tackle the situation by providing the correct information and necessary counseling via Take the Next Baby Steps.

By Kim Young-won (wone0102@heraldcorp.com)