TB drug donation to Tanzania

A company has extended an agreement that will see drugs used to combat TB being sent to Tanzania.

Novartis announced a new memorandum of understanding to donate 250,000 more treatments to the country over the next three to four years, which could help an estimated 60,000 patients annually.

The pharmaceuticals firm explained that this is just part of its commitment to tackle disease in the developing world.

Dr Daniel Vasella, chairman and chief executive of Novartis, commented: "Addressing the health problems of the developing world is complex and challenging.

"No single player can be successful. To make a meaningful and sustainable impact for patients in the developing world, governments, international institutions, industry, and civil society must join forces."

The global Stop TB Partnership will be working with Novartis to deliver the TB drugs, while the Novartis Institute for Tropical Diseases in Singapore is continuing to research new solutions to the disease.

Between 2005 and 2008, the company delivered just under 250,000 treatments to Tanzania.

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