INTERNATIONAL HEALTH INITIATIVES

I have been impressed at the number of new initiatives seeking to develop or apply advanced scientific knowledge and technology to health problems in developing countries. Of course HIV/AIDS has only been on the global stage for a couple of decades, and merits global concern and global programs. However, other diseases such as malaria and tuberculosis have been hugely important health problems for centuries, yet are now apparently receiving renewed interest. Note the following programs:

The Global Fund to fight AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria

The Gates Foundation

The Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative

The Medicines for Malaria Venture

The Malaria Vaccine Initiative

The Global Alliance for TB Drug Development

The International AIDS Vaccine Initiative

The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition

The Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI)

The Global Forum for Health Research

Pharmaceutical Industry programs and projects