Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft and prominent philanthropist, has urged the world’s wealthiest governments to increase aid to African nations, which he says are currently receiving less attention as global development funds are increasingly diverted to other crises, including the war in Ukraine and refugee support.
“There’s less money going to Africa at a time when they need it,” Gates remarked in a recent interview.
He also highlighted the need for debt relief, vaccinations, and efforts to tackle malnutrition. His comments coincide with the release of the annual Goalkeepers report from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which tracks global progress on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This year’s report emphasizes the urgent need to address child malnutrition, which is expected to worsen due to climate change.
Gates expressed concern that despite rising global aid contributions, the portion directed toward African nations had fallen to a 20-year low in 2022. This comes as many low- and middle-income countries are struggling under the burden of increased debt payments, limiting their ability to invest in essential services like healthcare and education.
Reflecting on a historic debt relief initiative from 2005 that wiped out $40 billion in debt owed by some of the world’s poorest countries, Gates called for a similar effort today.
“In a just world, you would see a movement emerge on behalf of these poorest countries,” he said.
Gates, who remains optimistic despite the challenges, emphasized that global health requires renewed focus and funding, especially for child nutrition. He believes that improved food systems, fortified foods, and prenatal care could prevent millions of children from suffering the long-term effects of malnutrition, which can stunt physical and cognitive development.
The Gates Foundation, one of the largest in the world, plans to distribute $8.6 billion in grants in 2024 to support global health and development projects. Although progress has stalled on many SDGs, Gates remains hopeful.
“I’m an optimist. I think we can give global health a second act,” he said.
Forbes, the Associated Press, the Economist contributed to this report.
