The European Union and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have today pledged to work together to fight HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and other poverty-related diseases that together affect more than 1 billion people worldwide. The agreement, signed in Paris today by foundation co-chair Bill Gates and European Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science, Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, creates a new strategic partnership for research in the area.

The partnership will invest in research and development of life-saving interventions to improve the health and well-being of people living in developing countries. In addition to accelerating the development of much-needed drugs, vaccines and diagnostics, the two organisations will also seek to improve affordable and sustainable pathways to ensure that these products quickly reach those in greatest need.

Commissioner Geoghegan-Quinn said, "Our goal in this new partnership is to work together to develop at least one new and better health product per year. This will represent a big step forward for the millions who suffer from poverty-related diseases."
 
“With sufficient resources and political commitment, we can together improve the lives of millions before the end of this decade," said Mr. Gates. "The foundation is completely committed to supporting efforts to develop life-saving products to help solve some of the world’s toughest problems. Partnership with the Commission and other funders is critical to the success of our common mission."

More information: IP/13/517

 
Contacts:

Michael Jennings +32 498/986 880 - +32 2 296 33 88 - Michael.Jennings@ec.europa.eu

Monika Wcislo +32 498/986 595 - +32 2 298 65 95 - Monika.Wcislo@ec.europa.eu