The Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases, TDR, is UNICEF / UNDP / World Bank and WHO's special effort to enhance research and training on tropical diseases. Through advocacy and capacity building the purpose is to create greater awareness and knowledge about diseases that primarily affect people in poor countries. TDR has contributed to a decline of leprosy, river blindness, Dengue fever, TB and malaria. It was TDR that launched the now famous bednets impregnated with insecticides against malaria mosquitos, which have had great impact in the fight against malaria. The prize, awarded by the Global Health Council, is established by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to reward outstanding contributions to improving health conditions in poor environments. The prize is one million U.S. Dollars.
Sweden, by the former agency Sarec and now through Sida, has contributed to TDR's activities since its inception in 1975. Sweden is the third largest bilateral donor to the programme.
Read more about the price in a press release (pdf) from the Global Health Council.
