Bill Gates annual letter is world class in its vision

I have had the chance to listen to the great man on the two occasions when he has come to parliament and explained what his foundation is doing to address poverty, immunisation, vaccination programmes, ebola, and provide international aid.
He is doing amazing work. I warmly recommend his Annual letter -  the link to which is set out below:      
http://www.gatesnotes.com/2015-annual-letter?page=0&lang=en&WT.mc_id=01_21_2015_AL2015-BG_PT_Img1_Top_20

UK is leading the fight against Ebola - grateful thanks to our nurses, doctors, military and scientists leading the way

I wanted to update the blog readers on what we are doing in Sierra Leone to help tackle Ebola.

The UK is leading the response in Sierra Leone and has already committed £230 million to the recovery effort. The first of the UK constructed Ebola treatment centres (ETC) in Kerry Town opened on 5 November and has 62 beds. Five additional UK supported facilities are also near completion and will be up and running as of today.

The UK-led training academy in Freetown has now provided:

- over 4,000 courses for 1270 healthcare workers,
- over 2,100 hygienists and logistics staff
- and over 300 trainers of trainers.

With DFID support, WHO has also trained a further 1,000 frontline staff. More than 50 NHS staff from across the UK have flown out to Sierra Leone to join Britain’s fight against Ebola, joining almost a thousand military personnel, scientists, healthcare and aid workers on the ground. Together we are working to contain, control and defeat this appalling disease. We should be very grateful for the dedication of all personnel involved.

When people ask what does our International Aid money do to help us in the UK, and those in trouble around the world, this is a great example, and I am really proud of what we are doing. But at Christmas time please remember all the UK experts out there in Sierra Leone doing what they can for this afflicted country and preventing the spread of this terrible disease.