In a significant move, billionaire Microsoft founder Bill Gates has sounded the alarm, suggesting that future pandemics could pose an even greater threat than the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.
Gates shared his concerns while announcing a generous donation of $150 million (£110m) to the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovation (CEPI) on January 19.
The funds are intended to support CEPI’s efforts in combatting the current coronavirus crisis and also in building preparedness for potential future pandemics.
Expressing his thoughts on CEPI’s work, Gates emphasized, “As the world responds to the challenge of a rapidly evolving virus, the need to deliver new, lifesaving tools has never been more urgent.”
Moreover, he stated, “Next time the world suffers pandemic it could be worse than coronavirus”
Dr. Richard Hatchet, CEO of CEPI, praised the contributions, stating, “These generous pledges will dramatically advance CEPI’s plan to reduce epidemic and pandemic risk in the future by developing vaccines against emerging infectious diseases while ensuring equitable access for all.”
Gates also highlighted the importance of proactive investment in research and development, noting, “Our work over the past 20 years has taught us that early investment in research and development can save lives and prevent worst-case scenarios.”
The Bill & Melania Gates Foundation’s pledge is intended to “Help CEPI accelerate the development of safe and effective vaccines against emerging variants of the coronavirus and to prepare for, and possibly even prevent, the next pandemic”.
Gates used the opportunity to urge governments to contribute towards “preventing the spread of future pandemics, some of which could have the potential for a higher fatality rate than the coronavirus pandemic”.
In a blog post, Gates reflected on the shortcomings in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, stressing, “Creating new vaccines isn’t enough. We also have to make sure that everyone who can benefit from vaccines has access to them, and that’s where the world has collectively failed in its response to COVID.”
He added, “While at least 9 billion doses were distributed in the past year, less than 1% went to people in low-income countries.”
Gates concluded by asserting the need for better global preparedness, stating, “We need to do better the next time the world faces a pathogen that has the potential to spark a pandemic”.