G8 summit will discuss tropical diseases

LONDON, July 21 (Science Analysed) The leaders of Japan, the US, France, Russia, Canada, the UK, Germany, Italy and the European Commission meeting for the 'G8' summit in the Japanese island of Okinawa for the next two days will be weighed down by matters of conflict and economics — but they will also hear of Japan's efforts to boost its support for tropical disease research.

A Japanese paper tabled at the G8 summit states that "Okinawa itself has a history of successfully eradicating malaria, filaria and other diseases. Drawing upon these experiences of its own, Japan will provide assistance to developing countries by way of the application and modification of its own achievements."

Japan promises to "extend its cooperation" with developing countries with a focus on: strengthening health sector institutions; human resources development; partnership with civil society, donor countries and international organizations; South–South cooperation; promotion of research; and the promotion ...