The Embracing Carers Story
Embracing Carers® aims to address the need for better support and recognition of carers. We are focused on improving carers’ health and wellness, while increasing awareness and support for them within healthcare systems around the globe.
Caring in Numbers
How much do you know about the lives of carers? The following facts should give you a clearer understanding of why the work we do through Embracing Carers matters. It is our goal to research the problems and work towards solutions that improve the lives of those who care for others.
63 million
people around the world are carers.1
23.4 hours a week
is the average time per week provided by unpaid carers following the COVID-19 pandemic.2
One in two
experience significant carer strain.3
1. Embracing Carers. “Global Carer Well-Being Index”. Available online here. [Last accessed: June 2026]
2. Embracing Carers. “Global Carer Well-Being Index”. Available online here. [Last accessed: June 2026]
3. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics Plus. “Prevalence of depression, anxiety, burden, burnout, and stress in informal carers: an umbrella review of meta-analyses”. September 3, 2025. Available online here. [Last accessed: June 2026]
Resources for carers
In our lifetime, we will know a carer, be a carer or be cared for. Connecting to experts and services can make a world of difference for both the patient and the carer.
Latest News
Keep up to date with all the latest updates on the state of caregiving across the globe, supportive advice, successes and carer stories.
19th February 2026
The State of Caregiving in the EU
Rising to the moment and delivering long-lasting change — a guest blog exploring the path forward for carers across Europe…
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6th October 2025
First-ever Hungarian Carers Day
Hungary marked its first national Carers’ Day, joining the European Carers’ Day movement to put informal caregiving in the spotlight…
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13th November 2024
Driving Change through Embracing Carers
In an EFPIA op-ed, Marieta Jiménez, Executive Vice President, Head of Core Markets discusses filling the gaps in care and driving meaningful change through the Embracing Carers® program…
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5th October 2023
Merck x GIA Memorandum of Understanding
Merck and the Global Initiative on Ageing & Longevity, a foundation supported by the United Nations, formalise their collaboration to support carers worldwide…
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15th September 2022
5 Things to Say
It can be hard to see a friend who is caring for someone struggling. Whether it’s finding time to care for their loved…
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15th October 2025
Eurocarers Position Paper on LGBTI Carers
Eurocarers launches a new position paper spotlighting the unique experiences and needs of LGBTI informal carers…
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22nd January 2025
Merck Launches Carer Leave Benefit
Merck announces a new global paid carer leave benefit, supporting employees managing caregiving responsibilities…
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29th February 2024
Merck Wins CPHI Pharma Award
Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany is honored at the CPHI Pharma Awards 2023 “At the Heart of Pharma” category…
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22nd September 2022
5 Ways to Support
It’s sometimes hard to find the right way to support a carer. Maybe you’ve volunteered your time but you haven’t…
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10th September 2022
Take care of yourself
Caring for an ill or disabled family member comes with a variety of self-care challenges for stressed-out and time-crunched…
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