On Jan 21, 2012, the UK’s Department for International Development announced a fivefold increase in its support for programmes to control neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). The Department’s press release claimed that the new funding will initially provide 400 million treatments to protect 100 million people from lymphatic filariasis, and to help save 10 million lives that would otherwise be lost to schistosomiasis. Onchocerciasis and dracunculiasis are also to be targeted. Last week, Bill Gates came to London to help renew and expand global commitments.

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