1.10.2005 ET

(CSRwire) ABBOTT PARK, IL - Abbott has committed an additional $1.5 million in health care product donations to the victims of the natural disasters in Southeast Asia and the eastern coast of Africa, bringing the company's total donation of products and funding to $5.5 million.

Working through international humanitarian agencies, Abbott is sending needed prescription drugs and nutritional aid. The Abbott product donation is expected to help more than 100,000 people and is valued at $3.5 million. Among the donated Abbott products are Biaxin®, Biaxin XL®, Omnicef®, Pedialyte®, PediaSure® and Rehydralyte®. Agencies involved in the relief effort include AmeriCares, Project HOPE, MAP International, Catholic Medical Mission Board and Direct Relief International.

In addition to the product donations, Abbott is donating $2 million in funding through relief agencies working on the ground in the affected regions.

Abbott employees around the world also have contributed to the cause with additional donations. For example, employees in Abbott's Indonesia affiliate have made product donations and contributed funding to purchase and provide needed supplies, such as blankets and clothing; employees in Abbott's Thailand affiliate have donated funding and are volunteering for local relief efforts; employees in Abbott's Egypt and Ireland affiliates have pledged a portion of their salaries to assist in relief efforts; Abbott's Netherlands affiliate has made product donations; and Abbott's India affiliate has pledged to match employee funding contributions, and employees are also volunteering for local relief efforts.

Abbott's 55,000 employees around the world express their deepest sympathies to the victims of this tragedy and to their families.

Abbott news releases and other information can be found at www.abbott.com.

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