WHO Vs Trump: Bill Gates Donates $250 Million, Half Of U.S. Annual Funding
The Co-Chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Melinda Gates has announced an additional donation of 150 million dollars to the fight against the Coronavirus pandemic, across the world.
“This is a unique situation; we are in a unique position to help and today, we are announcing additional funding of $150 million that brings our total commitment so far to more than $250 million,” the foundation’s statement read.
Advertisement
Recall that the U.S. being the largest financial contributor to the World Health Organization (WHO), donating about 500 million dollars annually, had halted further funding after accusing the organization of mismanaging information about the pandemic.
But Gates had reacted to the decision, and said Trump was making a mistake, adding that WHO was more competent in dealing with the pandemic.
According to the statement, the foundation said this wasn’t a time of celebration but a time of channeling resources and expertise in ensuring that the pandemic was defeated.
“From day one, the foundation has embraced a data-led, evidence-based approach to improving health, reducing poverty, and expanding opportunity.
Advertisement
“We rely on scientific and technical expertise and together, these building blocks mean that in addition to our financial resources, we have the capacity and capability to play a significant role in the COVID-19 response,” the statement added.
The foundation also stressed that developing and delivering treatments and vaccines enmasse was key in curbing the spread of Coronavirus, adding that it would continue to partner with relevant stakeholders in ensuring the right vaccine was out.
“But even vaccines and the most effective treatments are useless if they never leave the lab. So, we are working to ensure that when they are developed, they can be mass-produced quickly, and—most important—are accessible, available, and affordable,” the statement added.
