More funds for TB, polio programmes

Microsoft chief Bill Gates said on Friday he is committed to working in India for the “long haul” and has pledged support for the country’s polio, tuberculosis and vaccines programmes.

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation announced an increase in funding commitment to Avahan – an initiative to reduce the spread of HIV in India – to $338 million.

Launched in 2003 by the foundation, Avahan provides funding and support for HIV prevention programmes in six states and along national trucking routes.  The foundation had earlier committed $258 million to Avahan.