Funds will be targeted to the countries where the disease is most widespread, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Last month, the pharmaceutical industry announced an initiative to reduce prices for anti-retroviral drugs for developing countries. Over 8 million children die each year of illnesses like malaria, TB, and diarrheal diseases - more than 3 million of these deaths could be prevented by existing vaccines. Malaria is the leading killer of children in Africa, taking more than 1 million lives each year. Last year there were 6000 new cases, nearly 1000 in Nigeria alone.
Immunization is one of the most cost effective health interventions.
Twenty percent of children worldwide lack access to basic immunization services.