Bill, Melinda Gates donate $10bn for vaccines in developing countries

Washington, Jan 30 (ANI): The decision of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to devote 10 billion dollars to vaccine research, development and delivery in the next ten years has drawn a warm response.

Diseases like pneumonia, diarrhoea and malaria lead to the death of 5 million children worldwide annually, mostly in low-income countries, because those who need vaccines do not have access to them. The Gates Foundation seeks to eradicate this global inequity.

Orin Levine, executive director of the International Vaccine Access Center (IVAC), pointed out that the "announcement is a major boost for global health and vaccines."

He said: The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has once again set the bar for results-driven aid. By aiming at pneumonia, diarrhea, and malaria, the funding will save millions of lives.

"But the Gates Foundation cannot achieve the full promise of vaccines on its own. Manufacturers must increase their investments in vaccine research and development, donor countries must mobilize to help fund new vaccines, and developing countries must make the investments and take the steps necessary for delivering life-saving vaccines to their children."

Levine added: "Now more than ever and in light of the opportunities provided by the Gates Foundation's commitment, we urge all parties to work together to ensure access to life saving vaccines to those who need them worldwide." (ANI)