Gates Calls for Billions in R&D to Combat Future Pandemics and Terror Threats
Bill Gates has called on governments worldwide to allocate substantial funding towards pandemic preparedness and countering the potential threat of smallpox terror attacks. Speaking in an interview with Jeremy Hunt, chair of the UK’s health select committee, Gates emphasized the need for tens of billions in research and development (R&D) to ensure the world is better equipped for future health crises.
Gates stressed that while the cost would be high, the benefits could be immense, including the potential eradication of diseases like the flu and the common cold. “I’m hoping in five years, I can write a book called, ‘We are ready for the next pandemic,’ but it’ll take tens of billions in R&D,” he said. He outlined the importance of investing in a global pandemic task force, with the World Health Organization (WHO) taking a leading role in surveillance and preparedness, conducting exercises such as ‘germ games’ to practice responses to future threats.
The tech mogul’s comments come at a time when many nations are still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the ongoing need for proactive, long-term investments in global health infrastructure.
