Gates’ philanthropy and commitment to tackling key challenges
in global health is truly exemplary. He has made the global eradication of
polio a personal mission and is on course to achieve this within five years. India
is already polio free, thanks to the work of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Talk about changing the world for better.
In his 2014 Annual Letter Bill Gates debunks 3 myths that
block progress for the poor:
1. Poor countries are doomed to stay poor. Gates shows,
through historical and contemporary evidence that this is simply not true. Countries do emerge from extreme poverty as did Mexico, China and many other countries.
2. Foreign aid is a waste. Gates argues that while there
are inefficiencies in how foreign aid is managed and used, aid does make
a difference in the lives of those who are most in need.
3. Saving lives leads to overpopulation. Gates says that
this is simply not true and has the facts to back it up. As societies emerge
out of poverty and become prosperous, family sizes historically reduce and population stabilizes
or declines.
Gates concludes:
"By almost any measure, the world is better than it
has ever been. People are living longer, healthier lives. Many nations that
were aid recipients are now self-sufficient. You might think that such striking
progress would be widely celebrated, but in fact, Melinda and I are struck by
how many people think the world is getting worse. The belief that the world
can’t solve extreme poverty and disease isn't just mistaken. It is harmful.
That’s why in this year’s letter we take apart some of the myths that slow down
the work. The next time you hear these myths, we hope you will do the same.”
…. I certainly will.
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