During a meeting with Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates lauded Bharat’s significant role as a global provider of Covid vaccines and its potential to address critical health challenges worldwide. Gates highlighted the collaborative efforts between the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Indian Government, and the private sector to develop cost-effective therapies, particularly for conditions like sickle cell anaemia.
Recognising Bharat’s substantial disease burden and its implications, Gates stressed the need for affordable solutions, underscoring the foundation’s partnership with Bharat to pioneer accessible therapies. He commended Bharat’s vaccine sector for its pivotal role in supplying high-quality and affordable vaccines, which have contributed to saving millions of lives globally.
Bharat’s proactive support to over 150 countries by supplying Covid vaccines was also acknowledged by Gates, highlighting the nation’s crucial role in the global vaccination campaign. Additionally, he applauded India’s digital health initiatives showcased during its G20 presidency, emphasising the potential for sharing innovative solutions with other nations through the Global Initiative for Digital Health.
Gates expressed admiration for Bharat’s innovative health technologies, citing the BHISHM Argoya Maitri Cube as a promising solution with global applicability, particularly in addressing maternal and child health challenges. He underscored the potential of Indian diagnostic companies in revolutionizing healthcare, especially in combating tuberculosis and maternal anaemia.
Moreover, Gates lauded Bharat’s remarkable progress in various health indicators, including reductions in maternal and child mortality rates, high immunisation coverage, and efforts towards disease elimination. Bharat’s strides in tackling diseases like kala azar and its intensified focus on diseases like lymphatic filariasis and tuberculosis were acknowledged as significant milestones in public health.
In conclusion, Gates expressed confidence in Bharat’s continued leadership in global health innovation, emphasising the critical role of Indian solutions in addressing pressing public health priorities worldwide.
