We Must Take A Bite Out Of Malaria Before It Bites Us

9.55.49am UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 9th Sep 2005

Mosquitos carry malaria

Commenting the European Parliament's report on Major and Neglected Diseases in Developing Countries Sharon Bowles, Liberal Democrat MEP said: "National governments and the EU must do more to promote, and produce vital, affordable drugs and vaccines for diseases in developing countries."

"The issue of research for funding is vital. For Malaria and TB, which are already increasing in developed countries, there are several research projects underway where there is also a pledge to make the drugs affordable for developing countries".

These diseases kill tens of thousands of people every year, but because they are almost entirely confined to the developing world, they do not represent a profitable market for industry.

Mrs Bowles said: "Waiving or reducing royalties on medicines for poor countries has been championed by the EU in the past but we cannot and must not become complacent, with many of these diseases delay in action will come back to bite in other ways."

ENDS