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Gates announces $100-million support to fight AIDS

Microsoft chief Bill Gates on Monday announced a $100-million long-term initiative to arrest the spread of AIDS in India, the largest by his foundation for any country, and said the country can become an example for the world through right prevention strategies.

"AIDS is at an early stage here. Right prevention activity can keep it at that stage and not only help India, but also set an example for the entire world," Gates told reporters in New Delhi.

"The AIDS India initiative will complement the government's National AIDS Control Programme and the work of various ministries involved in the endeavour," Gates said adding his foundation would work with government as partner.

Gates, who met Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, said the Indian government acknowledged the danger of AIDS and the prime minister was appreciative and supportive of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation's efforts on AIDS.

The initiative would expand the access to proven HIV prevention interventions amongst mobile populations spanning truck drivers, migrant labourers, construction workers and their sexual partners, he said.

It would also work to combat societal stigma and increase awareness on AIDS through nationwide communication effort.

Gates said that a detailed programmes related to his commitment were not identified as yet but these would be carried out in coordination with Central or state governments.

There would also be partnership with NGOs and private sector.

To a question, Gates said that though he was involved in commercial activities, his foundation's work was based on '100 per cent non-profit' principle.

Gates said that he had met a number of people which had helped him to realise the importance of AIDS epidemic, adding there should be awareness so that people with HIV are not discriminated against.

He said his foundation was a partner in the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative, which was reaching out to leading companies in India for partnerships.

To another question on the issue of possible clinical trials in India related to AIDS drugs and vaccine, Gates said these would happen under the review of Indian government and IAVI had high standards for trials.

The foundation also named Ashok Alexander, who earlier worked at McKinsey and Company as a senior partner, as director of the foundation's new initiative in India.

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