Alyssa Milano Turns Tropical Disease Network Ambassador  6/29/07

Actress Alyssa Milano has been named the new lead ambassador for the Global Network For Neglected Tropical Disease Control.

The Charmed star is raising awareness of the 13 chronic and disabling bacterial and parasitic infections - known as "diseases of poverty" - which are faced by one billion people internationally.

To mark her new role, Milano donated $250,000 to the Global Network Drug Fund.

She says, "Words cannot fully express the devastation and horror caused by NTDs (neglected tropical diseases). Until now, these diseases have been hidden in the shadows, but working with the Global Network, I am focused on bringing this tragedy to the public eye."