There has been a record-breaking achievement in distributing tablets to fight neglected tropical diseases, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation says. The World Health Organisation said improving water and sanitation was key to driving further progress. The London meeting resulted in a pledge to control or eliminate 10 neglected tropical diseases - including guinea worm, river blindness and trachoma - by 2020. He applauded the UK government's announcement at the weekend that it would double support for fighting neglected tropical diseases. "Anyone who gets to see these very tough diseases, and to see the benefit from these initiatives, would be absolutely convinced."

Source: The Star April 19, 2017 01:30 UTC