Bill Gates to help develop vaccines

After a meeting with Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss, Gates said the meeting was "great." On a question whether there were any commitments from his side, he said "many commitments".

Later, briefing reporters about the meeting, Ramadoss said that the discussions were centered around the technology of vaccines and prevention concepts.

"Nobody has taken up the vaccine development for TB. Gates has extended support in this endeavour," Ramadoss said.

Gates Foundation was already supporting groups such as Global Alliance on Vaccines and Immunisation.

"We are partners on this alliance and India would benefit by this partnership," he said adding Gates would also have discussions with private sector on vaccines.

"Besides TB they are trying to help developing countries including India in developing vaccines against malaria, human papilloma virus, hepatitis B, rota virus, and pneumococcus," the Health Minister said adding the foundation had also shown interest in development of vaccines and microbicides against HIV/AIDS.

Ramadoss said Gates was optimistic about a good microbidide being available in four-five years. However, he thought a HIV vaccine would take "little longer".

'Awahan', a national HIV prevention effort in India, had been approved for support by the Gates Foundation, he said.