Gates foundation gives $750m to fight malaria

Community Action, Feb 21, 2005

SPOKANE -- The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will give $750 million to Global Alliance for vaccines and immunizations. The gift doubles the * amount of global spending on research into malaria by nongovernmental organizations.

To avoid governments' using the Gates funding to cut down on their expenditures, GAVI and other contributions supported by the foundation require that any contributions from governments and non-profit groups accompany any grants.

Norway and Britain have responded with $290m, and $1.8 billion, respectively to be channeled to GAVI through a newly created International Finance Facility for Immunization.

"We can prevent malaria with nets that cost $7 or less and cure it with drugs costing $3 or less; that's money well spent."

--Ted Turner, founder of the United Nations Foundation