25 years of partnership
and progress.
Our History & Impact
PQMD’s story began in 1996, when a small group of nonprofit and corporate organizations came together around a shared concern: the need for greater quality, accountability, and coordination in medical donations.
That collaboration laid the groundwork for what would become PQMD — a trusted cross-sector alliance that has continued to evolve alongside the global health community. Over the past 25 years, PQMD has expanded its work beyond its medical donation roots, creating opportunities for members to share knowledge, strengthen partnerships, advance best practices, and collaborate around emerging global health priorities.
Through that evolution, one thing has remained constant: a shared commitment to improving access to quality healthcare for underserved communities and populations in crisis.
Our story
01
Founding & Formation 1999–2004
PQMD emerged from a cross-sector collaboration of U.S.-based pharmaceutical companies and nonprofit organizations committed to improving the quality and responsibility of medical donations. In 1999, the alliance became the first umbrella organization to formally underwrite the WHO Interagency Guidelines for Drug Donations. PQMD incorporated in 2000 and received 501(c)(3) status in 2001, establishing the foundation for a trusted partnership across sectors.
02
Establishing Standards & Expanding Reach 2005–2012
PQMD continued to strengthen and expand its Guidelines for Medical Donations while growing its network of nonprofit and corporate members. As members responded to natural disasters and global health emergencies around the world, PQMD provided a platform for collaboration, shared learning, and responsible donation practices—demonstrating the value of cross-sector partnership in times of crisis.
03
Broadening Scope & Building Capacity 2013–2018
PQMD’s work expanded beyond medical product donations to encompass broader global health priorities, including medical missions, rare diseases, and sustainable health systems. Forums, workshops, and collaborative platforms created new opportunities for members to exchange knowledge and strengthen relationships, while PQMD’s role in facilitating coordination during crises continued to grow.
04
Strategic Evolution & Impact 2019–2024
PQMD expanded its engagement in global health conversations while continuing to evolve alongside the needs of its members and the wider field. During COVID-19, the network navigated unprecedented challenges to healthcare access, medical donations, and global supply chains. PQMD refreshed its Mission and Vision, added Climate & Health as its sixth strategic Pillar, and broadened its work around shared measurement through efforts including the Aligned Metrics Initiative (AMI).
PQMD Honors Program
The PQMD Honors Program celebrates individuals and organizations whose leadership, partnership, and commitment to collaboration have helped shape PQMD and strengthen the global health community.
05
The Next 25 Years 2025 & Beyond
PQMD’s 25th Anniversary marks both a celebration of its legacy and an opportunity to look ahead. Building on decades of cross-sector collaboration, the alliance is focused on strengthening its network, demonstrating collective impact, and creating new opportunities for members and partners to advance sustainable, equitable access to quality healthcare. The next chapter of PQMD will be shaped, as the first was, by the collective expertise, commitment, and collaboration of its network.
Celebrating 25 Years of PQMD
PQMD’s 25th Anniversary celebrates the partnerships, progress, and purpose that have shaped our first quarter century — and looks ahead to what’s possible in the next 25 years.
From a small cross-sector collaboration focused on improving medical donation practices to today’s global alliance, PQMD’s story has always been powered by organizations and individuals willing to share expertise, challenge convention, and work together toward greater health impact.
