Although all eyes are currently on the situation in Ukraine, the billionaire calls for better international management to prevent potential future pandemics: “It seems crazy to me that we cannot take this tragedy seriously and that, on behalf of all the citizens of the world, we cannot make these investments”did he declare.
The founder of Microsoft thus proposes a group of experts, the Global Epidemic Response and Mobilization initiative (GERM), in order to fight against health threats. This team, made up of specialists in epidemiology or computer models, would be overseen by the World Health Organization.
According to Bill Gates, the WHO represents the only real organization capable of managing the GERM. He estimates running costs at around one billion euros per year: “A very small sum of money compared to the profits”he points.
However, he acknowledges that it will be necessary to agree international funding and this partnership will be a real challenge. Especially given the current political situation.
Finally, the wealthy philanthropist spoke of a real risk of seeing the current Covid-19 pandemic become even more serious: “There is always a risk that a new variant, even more transmissible and virulent, will appear”he warns. “I don’t want to play the ominous bird, but this risk is much higher than 5%”concludes Bill Gates.