Seattle: The initiatives to combat tropical diseases that ails many millions of people in parts of Africa, Asia and Latin America, was given a renewed thrust by The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which announced four grants totaling to more than $68.2 million.
This fund will assist in controlling three diseases - hookworm, leishmaniasis and trypanosomiasis – which are spread by parasites and worms. These worms are lethal in that they could impair child growth and development for life.Presently no vaccines are available to prevent these diseases and the drugs that are available for treatments are too costly and prone to side effects. "Many of the world's most debilitating illnesses are virtually unheard of in the rich world. But they're a fact of life for millions of people in poor countries," said Tachi Yamada, president of the global health program at the Gates Foundation.
The funds will do a world of good to bring reprieve to the ailing millions in the grips of debilitating illnesses.
Source-Medindia
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