An eminent international panel of judges has selected Eli Lilly and Company to receive a World Business and Development Award for demonstrating what can be achieved through successful partnerships in the battle against multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB).

Lilly was chosen because the activities of The Lilly MDR-TB Partnership demonstrate a clear linkage between vital business practices and a contribution toward achieving the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDG). The MDGs, endorsed by 189 countries, include eight goals that promote the reduction of poverty, better education, improved maternal health, gender equality, the lessening of child mortality and the eradication of infectious diseases, including tuberculosis.

"We are extremely honoured and grateful for this recognition, just as we are inspired daily by the dedication of the organizations and individuals who are part of The Lilly MDR-TB Partnership. We all know how much work remains to be done, but we believe that over time we can make a tangible difference in stamping out a disease that takes so many millions of lives," said Jacques Tapiero, president of emerging markets for Lilly.

The World Business and Development Awards, given every two years, showcase the creative efforts of the private sector in applying their core business expertise to helping achieve the goals. Winners of past awards, together, have improved the lives of millions of poor people throughout the world.

By collaborating with international and non-profit organizations, governments and civil society, Lilly has proven that private companies can make enormous strides in helping the international community achieve the MDGs. Over a very short time, the Partnership has produced real accomplishments despite significant obstacles and continues to build on lessons learned in achieving even more. Among Lilly's efforts has been the transfer of drug-making technology and expertise to companies in China, India, Russia, South Africa and elsewhere.

The Lilly MDR-TB Partnership was created to confront a disease so daunting that no single organization could fight it alone. Working in over 80 nations and with more than 20 partners, The Lilly MDR-TB Partnership has trained doctors and nurses to recognize, treat, monitor and prevent the spread of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. They have raised awareness to de-stigmatize the disease, promoted prevention, researched drugs, improved treatment and advocated for some of the most vulnerable people in the world. Efforts are tailored to the needs of the individual nation and region.

About two billion people around the globe are infected with latent TB. Nearly two million people die each year -- 4,500 each day -- from a disease that is curable for those with access to care. Multidrug-resistant TB now strikes at least a half million people every year and, experts say, every person with MDR-TB may unknowingly infect up to 20 others, including their own family.

Introduced by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the awards have become increasingly successful each year since they began in 2000. In 2004, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the International Business Leaders Forum (IBLF) joined with ICC to organize the awards. The true spirit of the awards lies in the recognition of productive and innovative business-driven solutions to sustainable development.

The United Nations has devoted the year 2010 to building a renewed momentum around the MDGs, which have a deadline of 2015. This year, special attention is focused on the role of business in development through an initiative known as the Business Call to Action. The 2010 World Business and Development Awards is one of the central events recognizing the many contributions of the private sector to sustainable development.

This year's award recipients will receive their official honors at the United Nations in New York at 6pm ET on September 21, 2010, concurrent with a special MDG summit hosted by the UN Secretary-General.

The Lilly MDR-TB Partnership was created to confront multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. Since 2003, the public private initiative, mobilizing over 20 partners on five continents, has worked together to share expertise in the quest to contain and conquer one of the world's oldest diseases. The Lilly MDR-TB Partnership is funded by Eli Lilly and Company. www.LillyMDR-TB.com.