The money announced includes over $150 million to the PATH Malaria Vaccine Initiative
Philanthropist Mr Bill Gates has announced that he will donate over $500 million to fight malaria and other infectious diseases in the developing world, saying the Ebola outbreak is a call to action.
According to reports, Gates Foundation is committing more than $500 million to reduce the burden of malaria, pneumonia, diarrheal diseases, and an array of parasitic infections that are leading causes of death and disability in developing countries.
The money announced includes over $150 million to the PATH Malaria Vaccine Initiative to advance development of next-generation malaria vaccines, and $29 million to the Clinton Health Access Initiative to support malaria elimination efforts in Southern Africa and the Southeast Asia.
"The rise in resistance to effective malaria drugs in Southeast Asia should serve as a warning, that better research and development is needed to stay ahead of the natural evolution of infectious diseases," Mr Gates said. He added, "What is needed are single-dose complete cures for malaria, more sophisticated diagnostics and a next-generation malaria vaccine, as well as more widespread and precise use of bednets."
He further added that eradicating malaria by the middle of this century is both a necessary objective and an attainable one. "We must remain committed to the eradication of malaria," he said.
