TB fight gets cash injection
A cash injection of €300,000 will help the development of new, better and more affordable drugs to attack tuberculosis worldwide.
Conor Lenihan TD, Minister of State for Development Co-operation and Human Rights, today announced the funding from Irish Aid to the Global Alliance for TB Drug Development.
The donation will benefit millions of poor people around the globe, whose lives could be saved by new drugs which will simplify treatment.
TB is responsible for the deaths of two million people every year, many of those being adults in their peak years of economic activity.
Treatment is complicated with the need to take four medications for at least six months. However, no major new TB drug has been developed in over 30 years.
Figures also reveal 50% of those with HIV infection develop TB with treatment for TB being an important part of HIV/AIDS care.
“Investing in the development of new drugs and vaccines is a vital strategy for tackling the world’s killer diseases of HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria,” said Mr Lenihan.
“This grant from Irish Aid will help accelerate the development of new, better and more affordable drugs. Millions of poor people around the globe stand to benefit from new drugs which will simplify treatment and save lives.”
Mr Lenihan made the announcement to coincide with an international symposium of global health experts on TB at Columbia University, New York on March 7.
In 2006, Irish Aid will grant €17m to the TB Alliance and other global organisations working in research and development of new drugs and vaccines.
