Africa: American business magnate and philanthropist Mr. Bill Gates, on a visit to Kenya, stated that his Foundation will spend $7 billion to advance agriculture, gender equality, and health in Africa.
In addition to current support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the latest promise will be used over the next four years to improve health systems all across the continent.
According to Gates Foundation CEO Mr. Mark Suzman, the organisation will make investments in regional groups and fresh partnerships that foster the long-term resilience required to make crises less frequent and more manageable.
Mr. Gates commented that Africa’s young people are talented and have the opportunity to accelerate progress and help solve the world’s most pressing problems.
This new commitment to support African countries is in addition to existing Gates Foundation’s funding to multilateral organisations, including Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance and the Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
Mr. Bill Gates observed.
The Horn of Africa and countries in East Africa are currently experiencing the worst drought in decades. Mr. Gates has been touring smallholder farms, prestigious medical and agricultural research institutions, and primary healthcare facilities while he is in Kenya.
During the visits, the American investor learned from partners about what programs and approaches are making an impact, what obstacles remain, and how the foundation can better support future progress. The business magnate remarked that the Foundation will keep supporting the researchers, business owners, inventors, and healthcare professionals who are seeking to unleash the enormous human potential that exists all throughout the continent.