News outlets discuss new funding efforts to tackle neglected tropical diseases, as well as a new report on access to treatments.

Agence France-Presse: Hundreds of millions with tropical diseases lack treatment
“At least 1.4 billion people worldwide require treatment for a group of ‘neglected’ tropical diseases and almost two-thirds are going without adequate medical care, eradication campaigners said on Wednesday…” (4/2).

The Guardian: Bill Gates: world must step up fight against neglected tropical diseases
“Bill Gates believes the world can and must step up the fight against a group of little-known and long-neglected tropical diseases, that collectively do as much damage as HIV, malaria, or tuberculosis. In an exclusive interview with the Guardian, the founder and former boss of Microsoft said the money has to be found, even in the current difficult economic climate, for highly effective programs, including the mass delivery of drugs that can prevent diseases such as schistosomiasis and trachoma…” (Boseley, 4/3).

Reuters: Donors commit $240 million to fight neglected tropical diseases
“Bill Gates, the World Bank, and other donors are stepping up efforts to fight neglected tropical diseases in Africa and other low-income regions with a $240 million injection of new funding…” (Hirschler, 4/2).

Wall Street Journal: Neglected Diseases: Healing the Sick Where the Market Fears to Tread
“New funding worth $240 million to treat neglected tropical diseases [was announced] Wednesday at a meeting of drug companies, governments, and charities in Paris…” (Plumridge, 4/2).