Bill and Melinda Gates pledge tropical disease support

Bill and Melinda Gates have revealed a $34 million grant to support the Global Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases.

The funding was revealed at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where the duo also called on developed economies to maintain global aid during the downturn.

"Our work together to help the world's poor is more important in the face of this global financial crisis," the Microsoft founder said.

"If we lose sight of our long-term priority to expand opportunity for the world's poor and abandon our commitments and partnerships to reduce inequity, we run the risk of emerging from the current economic downturn in a world with even greater disparities in health and education and fewer opportunities for people to improve their lives."

The donation from the Gates Foundation is attended to help the 1.4 billion across the globe who have less than $1.25 to live on each day. It will be used to target neglected tropical diseases such as snail fever and river blindness.

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