American tech billionaire Bill Gates has praised India's transformative health initiatives, especially its successful polio eradication campaign.
 |
| Billionaire Bill Gates looks forward to his visit to India as he explores cutting-edge innovations that can benefit the global community. (Source: Getty) |
Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates recently announced on LinkedIn that he will be visiting India for the third time in three years. In the post, he highlighted India’s important role in healthcare, agriculture, and global digital transformation.
Notably, this visit coincides with a historic event: the Gates Foundation Board of Trustees meets for the first time in the Southern Hemisphere, marking its 25th anniversary (2000-2025).
The Gates Foundation founder said the charity has been working with India for more than 20 years, working with governments, academics and entrepreneurs to improve key areas. “India is the right place for this milestone,” he said.
| "India is where big challenges meet even bigger ambitions, where innovation is transforming lives on an incredible scale." (Billionaire Bill Gates) |
Transformative healthcare initiatives
The billionaire praised India’s transformative health initiatives, especially its successful polio eradication campaign. Recalling his visit in 2011, when India recorded its last case of polio, he also praised Avahan, an HIV prevention initiative launched by the Gates Foundation two decades ago. The program pioneered a community-led approach to reducing infection rates, complementing government efforts in states with high rates of the disease. Management of the program was later transferred to the Indian government, becoming part of the country’s broader health strategy.
Today, India is a leader in the fight against tuberculosis (TB), the leading cause of death among adults worldwide, according to Bill Gates. “Investments in new diagnostics, AI-enabled detection tools, and improved treatment strategies are accelerating progress toward eradication,” he said.
India’s success in immunizing children is another reason for the billionaire to admire. The country has used digital dashboards to track vaccination coverage, monitor cold storage, and improve maternal and child health care. “These efforts have helped reduce mortality and create a stronger health system that can respond to new challenges,” he asserted.
The prominent businessman also praised India’s ability to produce affordable vaccines and diagnostics. A saliva test for tuberculosis that costs less than $2 is an innovative solution with global potential. “Indian companies are developing TB tests that could be transformative across Africa,” he said.
| “Every time I go there, I see firsthand the advances in public health, agriculture, and technology. And I leave with new ideas, because India is full of smart, ambitious people who are solving some of the world’s toughest problems in innovative ways.” |
Modern digital infrastructure
Apart from healthcare, the country of the Ganges is also notable for its digital public infrastructure (DPI), including the Aadhaar biometric identification system and digital payment systems, which have made banking, healthcare and government services easier for millions of people.
India is now using artificial intelligence (AI)-powered DPI tools to help rural health workers improve early disease detection, optimize pregnancy care, and manage patient data more efficiently.
AI is also transforming agriculture across the country. He recalled a visit to Odisha state last year, where he saw Indian farmers using AI-powered tools to predict weather patterns, select crops and reduce disease risks — advances the billionaire believes could benefit farmers across Asia.
 |
| Mr. Bill Gates during a visit to the eastern Indian state of Odisha in February 2024. (Source: Gatesnotes) |
It is worth noting that such a transformational process is not just beneficial for India. During India’s G20 Presidency in 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced his intention to leverage India’s innovations and know-how to address development issues globally.
According to billionaire Bill Gates, “that’s exactly what’s happening.” Solutions being developed within the South Asian nation, from vaccine production to AI-assisted diagnostics, are being shared with the world.
“Indian companies are producing game-changing TB tests across Africa. They are developing AI models that can help farmers across Asia. And they are demonstrating that digital technology can make healthcare work better for everyone, especially the most vulnerable.”
***
The Gates Foundation tackles tough problems by working closely with the people and governments most affected. And for the founder of the world’s largest charitable foundation, India is an “incredible partner” because of its deep expertise and willingness to develop and scale new ideas. While challenges remain, such as eradicating TB, improving nutrition, expanding access to healthcare, and AI-driven development, “India has proven time and again that progress can be made when innovation, local leadership, and investment come together.”
During his upcoming visit, the Microsoft founder plans to interact with government officials, scientists and philanthropists who are shaping the future of health and development in India. He is excited about the opportunity to explore cutting-edge innovations that can benefit both India and the global community.
“I always feel excited when I leave India. I know this trip will be no exception,” he concluded.
Source
Comment (0)