Eradicate polio and malaria is the core message Bill Gates is pushing as he calls for stronger global commitment to child health. The philanthropist visited Abu Dhabi to highlight how the UAE remains a key partner in fighting deadly diseases. He praised the country for its long-standing support and its strong global relationships, especially in Africa, Pakistan and Afghanistan. According to Mr Gates, combining UAE networks with the Gates Foundation’s health expertise creates powerful results.
Mr Gates said that rich nations had helped reduce child deaths from 10 million a year to below five million. But recent foreign aid cuts by the US, UK, France and Germany are reversing these gains. He warned that “when the money is cut, deaths rise”, noting that child mortality increased from 4.6 million to 4.8 million this year. He is now urging major donors to step up again.
He confirmed he is in talks with the Trump administration to restore some US aid. Although 10,000 USAID workers were let go earlier this year, he hopes that at least 1,000 will be rehired. He also stressed the need to work more with local partners, especially in countries with weaker health systems such as Somalia.
Innovation is another key focus. Mr Gates believes AI can bring virtual doctors, better nutrition tools and improved vaccine delivery to poor nations. He welcomed the UAE’s $1 billion “AI for development” push for Africa.
The Gates Foundation aims to finish the fight against polio and eventually wipe out malaria. Mr Gates, who plans to give away all his wealth, says the goal is simple: a world where people ask, “eradicate polio and malaria — what were those diseases?”
