New Vaccines Can Change India's Health Battles: Melinda Gates

NEW DELHI: Introduction of four new vaccines in India's national immunisation programme by the new government can bring immense change in the country's major health battles and reduce the child mortality rate, said Melinda Gates

On a visit to the capital, Microsoft founder Bill Gates and his wife Melinda, who represent the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, were in conversation with celebrated author Chetan Bhagat on the topic "All Lives Have Equal Value".

Replying to a question what their expectations were from the Narendra Modi government, Melinda Gates said: "We are very enthused with the government that has come to power.

"I think in a couple of years, especially in the health sector, there will be optimism. For instance, the fact that they are keen to roll out four key new vaccines across India, is absolutely huge."

"We also see their (Modi's government) commitment to newborns and also towards sanitation that will help reduce diarrhoeal infections and make sure that children get nutritional diet in schools," she added.

Bill Gates, however, quickly added that it won't be an easy task for the government.

"Take the economy as a whole. It seems some unpopular things need to be done. Are they willing to do things that are good for the country, but that they can't immediately embrace," he asked.

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