Gates Foundation Invests $1.27 Billion in Health and Development Commitments
During UN General Assembly week, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, along with governments, philanthropies, the private sector, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and global and community leaders, announced commitments totalling $1.27 billion to enhance and save millions of lives.
The funds will be used to address overlapping global challenges that have slowed progress toward the UN Sustainable Development Goals (Global Goals).
According to the foundation's sixth annual Goalkeepers Report, nearly every indicator of the Global Goals is off track at the halfway point for achieving them by 2030.
Despite difficulties, the report emphasises opportunities to accelerate progress by investing in long-term and innovative solutions to long-standing concerns like poverty, inequality, and climate change.
Mark Suzman, Gates Foundation CEO, said:
"This week has underscored the urgency of the challenges we face and the promise of sustainable solutions that save and improve lives. We can get back on track toward the SDGs, but it’s going to take a new level of collaboration and investment from every sector. That’s why our foundation is significantly stepping up our commitment to help confront crises now and ensure long-term impact across critical determinants of health and development.”
The Goalkeepers event brought together global leaders and changemakers to discuss existing and future efforts to accomplish the Global Goals. The event was attended by Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados, Pedro Sanchez, Prime Minister of Spain, Bill Gates, Melinda French Gates, more than 300 young changemakers, and other emerging and established leaders from around the world.
Co-chair Melinda French Gates said:
"The last time we gathered in person for Goalkeepers, we talked about how the most well-intentioned programs can perpetuate inequities if the communities they want to reach aren’t involved in the design. A lot has changed since 2019, but one thing hasn’t: We won’t make progress toward the Global Goals unless those with lived experiences have a seat at the table. I’m proud of our Goalkeepers Award winners and the many partners from all corners of the world who are working to develop this next generation of leaders.”
Governments and the private sector came together at the Global Fund Replenishment Conference to pledge a record-high level of commitment to ensuring good health and well-being for all. The funds will go toward the Global Fund's objective of saving 20 million additional lives from HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria; strengthening health systems to prevent future pandemics; and putting the world back on track to eliminate these illnesses by 2030. The foundation's greatest contribution to the Global Fund to date, $912 million, is included in the pledge.
Bill Gates, co-chair, said:
"We see the greatest progress when governments, the private sector, and local communities collaborate in global health programmes. The commitment this week to combat preventable diseases and save millions more lives through the Global Fund replenishment is a great step forward in getting back on track to reach the Sustainable Development Goals.”
Source: Gates Foundation
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