UNDATED (AP) — Philanthropist Bill Gates says he wants to end malaria in his lifetime and will raise his donations toward that goal by 30 percent, to more than $200 million per year.

Malaria is spread by mosquitoes and is a leading killer of children, especially in Africa.

Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft, spoke with The Associated Press ahead of a speech Sunday in New Orleans at a medical meeting on tropical diseases.

They are getting more attention this year because of the Ebola epidemic that has killed about 5,000 people in West Africa. Gates also has committed $50 million to fighting that disease.

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