Nov 26, 2012
Ellen Agler, Chief Executive Officer of the END Fund, a private philanthropic initiative to combat the seven most common neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in Africa, announced today the official launch of the END Fund, as well as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s commitment of US$ 2 million to the END Fund. The Gates Foundation contribution comes only weeks after Dubai Cares, a UAE-based philanthropic organisation founded by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, committed US$ 1 million to The END Fund to combat NTD infections in Angola.
The END Fund is seeded with grants from some of the world’s most innovative philanthropists including the Campbell Family Foundation, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Dubai Cares, Geneva Global and the Legatum Foundation, the original anchor investor in the fund. The END Fund and its partners have disbursed over 40 million treatments to 9.7 million people over a four year period, providing it with unique and unrivaled experience in conducting nationwide NTD programmes. Fundamental to the success of an eradication programme is its integration into a nation’s National Health Plan which enables a long-term focus and disease reduction plan.
“No health intervention is more effective than tackling NTDs,” said END Fund Chairman William Campbell. “NTD treatment is the single most cost-effective means of improving children’s attendance in school, since children who have been dewormed are more likely to stay in school with an increased capacity to learn and concentrate. My family and I are delighted to support The END Fund because it offers an exceptional social investment opportunity for those interested in transforming millions of lives in the short term, while creating a legacy that will positively impact sub-Saharan Africa for years to come.” Mr. Campbell is also a Senior Advisor at JPMorgan Chase & Co, and the President of Sanoch Management.