Washington, D.C. – March 19, 2025
Billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates has cautioned the White House that his foundation cannot compensate for the steep cuts in U.S. global health funding. His warning comes amid a shift in government priorities that has put critical international health programs at risk.
Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, has been engaging with lawmakers and the National Security Council to emphasize the consequences of reducing U.S. support for initiatives like malaria prevention, vaccine distribution, and HIV treatment. While the foundation contributes billions to global health efforts, Gates stressed that private philanthropy cannot replace government funding.
“The U.S. has long been a leader in global health aid, and these programs save millions of lives,” Gates said in a statement. “No private donor can match the scale of government funding.”
The cuts, implemented as part of the administration’s “America First” policy, have already led to the suspension of multiple USAID projects. Programs like Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, which rely heavily on U.S. support, are facing uncertain futures. The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that countries such as Haiti, Kenya, and Ukraine may soon experience severe shortages of life-saving HIV medication.
Health experts warn that the funding gaps could result in millions of preventable deaths. Gates has urged lawmakers to reconsider, arguing that foreign aid represents a small fraction of the U.S. budget but delivers immense returns in public health and international stability.
Despite Gates’ advocacy, the future of U.S. global health funding remains uncertain. With the White House reviewing over 30 major international health programs, the coming months will determine the fate of millions who depend on them.
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