Millions of pounds from the internet giant Google will be used to research into new diseases and also understand the conditions which help them spread, saving millions of lives.

In a clear indication of their social commitment, the executive director of Google.org, Dr Larry Brilliant, said:

“Business as usual will not prevent the next epidemic. The teams we are funding are on the frontiers of digital and genetic early detection technology.”

In the first round of funding, £8.8m will be spread among organisations that are working to identify infectious diseases, which have the potential to turn into global pandemics. The Global Viral Forecasting Initiative is one among the major beneficiaries. The initiative will get sizable funds on a continual basis from Google.org to expand its remit. The development would have a huge impact, its founder Dr Nathan Wolfe said. Google will also contribute to a scheme from the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University, New York.

Frank Rijsberman., Google.org programme director, stated it is crucial to improve forecasting along with the identification of disease ‘hot spots’ across south-east Asia and Africa.

“We think it has a vital role to play,” he added. Google has pledged to make 1% contribution of all its profits to charity.