Bill Gates Initiative Update

Bill Gates, public health experts to use new approach to tackle diseases.
The Wall Street Journal (4/23, Guth) reports that Bill Gates is having to rethink his strategy to eradicate polio. After donating over $700 million to help fight the disease, data indicate that it is instead making a resurgence, spreading to places like Tajikistan, where there has not been an outbreak for 19 years. Therefore, rather than simply focusing on eradicating just polio, Gates and public health experts also plan to concentrate on improving the overall health of poor populations. This includes providing access to clean drinking water and teaching good hygiene. Commenting on the continued spread of polio, Dr. Steve Cochi, of the CDC, said, "It was becoming evident that the virus almost knew no bounds. ... It kind of confirmed some of our worst fears."