New Delhi, Oct 13: Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation today doubled its commitment to HIV/Aids prevention efforts in India from USD 100 million to 200 million and announced disbursal of its first grants of USD 67.5 million. The announcement was made after the first board meeting of the Foundation's India Aids Initiative here. "The commitment is being doubled in view of the small window of opportunity that country has to prevent spread of the epidemic," Dr Helene Gayle, director of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation's HIV/Aids, TB and Reproductive Health Programme, told reporters.
"The first grants of USD 67.5 million have been made to seven organisations that will implement significant parts of the initiative's HIV prevention strategy," JVR Prasada Rao, one of the chairman of the board and Union Health Secretary, said.
The Foundation had announced USD 100 million commitment for India last year.
Bureau Report