The Conversation with Dasha Burns Bill Gates on vaccine hesitancy, AI and global health
Dec 12, 2025
Bill Gates, co-founder of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and a stalwart in global health philanthropy, dives into pressing issues like vaccine skepticism and government aid cuts. He highlights alarming projections that child deaths may rise in 2025 for the first time this century. Gates emphasizes the crucial role of vaccines, discusses engaging with policymakers, and addresses the urgency of restoring health funding. He also explores the impact of AI on diagnostics and delivery while advocating for innovative solutions to the challenges ahead.
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Use Matches To Restore Funding
- Rebuild congressional and executive support to restore near‑previous generosity for global health budgets.
- Use commitments like U.S. funding for the Global Fund to persuade other donors not to cut.
Vaccine Rollouts Are Being Constrained
- Vaccines remain the most effective global health tool, but fundraising shortfalls limit rollout of new vaccines like RSV.
- Reduced Gavi fundraising and U.S. support means fewer lives saved despite lower vaccine prices.
Show Real Consequences To Counter Doubt
- Counter vaccine skepticism by showing the real consequences where diseases still kill many children.
- Emphasize vivid field examples from low-income countries to remind public why vaccines matter.