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."