The Hindu : National : Gates' support for developing TB vaccine

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Wednesday, Dec 07, 2005

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Gates' support for developing TB vaccine

Special Correspondent

Says meeting with Anbumani Ramadoss was `great'

FOR BETTER HEALTH: Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss with Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates in New Delhi on Tuesday. — Photo: PTI

NEW DELHI: Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates on Tuesday committed support to India for development of vaccines for tuberculosis and malaria. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation had announced an assistance of $200 million for `Awahan' project aimed at fighting HIV/AIDS in the country.

Mr. Gates, who met Health and Family Welfare Minister Anbumani Ramadoss, told reporters that the meeting was "great" and that there were "many commitments" before he left.

Briefing reporters about the meeting, Mr. Ramadoss said the discussions were related to technology of vaccines and prevention concepts. "Nobody has taken up vaccine development for TB. Mr. Gates has extended support in this endeavour."

The Gates Foundation was supporting groups such as Global Alliance on Vaccines and Immunisation, in which the Government was a partner. India would benefit by the partnership, he said. Mr. Gates would also have discussions with private sector on vaccines.

"Besides TB, they are trying to help developing countries, including India, in developing vaccines against malaria, human papilloma virus, Hepatitis B, rota virus and pneumococcus," Mr. Ramadoss said. The Foundation had also shown interest in developing vaccines and microbicides against HIV/AIDS. Mr. Gates was optimistic about a good microbicide being available in four-five years but thought a HIV vaccine would take a "little longer."

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