Andhra bags Gates pilot project to fight AIDS

AIDS is spreading fast and is widespread in India which makes our commitment more serious to start pilot projects, he said, adding that the project could be developed in public private partnership.

Gates said the foundation will provide funds beyond the agreed five years if the state continues with the child healthcare programmes. He denied that his philanthropy was intended to regain the lost sheen in the anti-trust suits against Microsoft in US. ‘‘This (activity) has nothing to do with Microsoft. I wanted to take it up (charity) later, but, certain things cannot wait. So, I had to begin it at a younger age,’’ he said.

Gates also launched the second phase of the Hepatitis-B vaccination project in six districts of the state at a community health centre at Shadnagar. He expressed his satisfaction over the results of the first phase of the programme.

‘‘The investment is paying off. From the CM down to the level of the Collectors, everyone is deeply involved. At hospitals, the doctors and nurses showed commitment,’’ he said.

Gates also commended Andhra as the ‘‘model for the entire India’’, while reviewing the vaccination programme at a round-table conference at Jubilee Hall.

Those present at the conference were CM Naidu, Government of India’s Family Welfare Secretary Prasada Rao, state Chief Secretary Sathi Nair and representatives of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.