In a special on CNN-IBN, Bill and Melinda Gates of the Gates Foundation spoke with Rajdeep Sardesai about the special affinity they feel towards India, since they’ve invested around $1.2 billion USD into some of India’s public health projects. According to Mr. Gates, they feel a special connection with India because of the progress being made and the fact that the country still has a long way to go. He said the money is to help, to fund research, and to partner with companies working to genuinely benefit the public through cheap and innovative vaccinations.

Mrs. Gates explained their attraction to Bihar, in particular. She said that even through there is a huge burden of sickness and disease in the area, that there is great leadership under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who is working to reduce the maternal and infant mortality rates, and looking for ways to increase the number of life-saving vaccinations given to children.

However, in February 2012, funding from the Gates Foundation into Indian NGOs will end. It may seem abrupt, but the NGOs have been anticipating this change for some time now. “It was made clear to us right from the beginning that funding would stop by 2012”, said Tajeswini Sevekari who works for an NGO helping sex workers in Budhwar Peth. “Projects already on would continue. 2012 onwards, NACO would have to chip in with funds for further projects, which might be lesser than what a foreign agency can give”.