Statement on U.S. Effort to Fight Neglected Tropical Diseases

SEATTLE -- Today, President George W. Bush proposed expanding U.S. efforts to fight neglected tropical diseases in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. In response, Dr. Tachi Yamada, president of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation's Global Health Program, released the following statement:

"We welcome and applaud President Bush's proposal to dramatically increase efforts to combat neglected tropical diseases in the developing world. While these serious diseases are virtually unheard of in rich countries, they are a fact of life for millions of the world's poorest people.

"Many of these diseases—including lymphatic filariasis, schistosomiasis, and river blindness—are preventable or treatable with existing solutions. We can defeat these scourges through increased attention and funding.

"We look forward to working together to improve the lives of those living in developing countries by reducing suffering caused by these diseases."

###
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Guided by the belief that every life has equal value, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation works to help all people lead healthy, productive lives. In developing countries, it focuses on improving people’s health and giving them the chance to lift themselves out of hunger and extreme poverty. In the United States, it seeks to ensure that all people—especially those with the fewest resources—have access to the opportunities they need to succeed in school and life. Based in Seattle, the foundation is led by CEO Patty Stonesifer and co-chair William H. Gates Sr., under the direction of Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffett.