During a meeting with Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates highlighted the collaborative efforts between the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the government of India, and the private sector to develop a cost-effective therapy for sickle cell anaemia globally. Recognizing the significant disease burden in India and Africa, Gates emphasized the need for affordable therapies, stating that the current costs are prohibitive even for high-income countries like the US.
Gates praised India as a global innovator, particularly noting its contribution to healthcare through the vaccine sector, providing cost-effective vaccines that have saved millions of lives worldwide. He acknowledged India’s crucial role in the global fight against COVID-19, with India supporting over 150 countries by providing COVID vaccines. The foundation collaborated with Indian companies in this endeavor.
Discussing digital health innovations, Gates mentioned India’s role in the Global Initiative for Digital Health, showcasing the Bhishm Cube as an innovative solution that could address maternal and child health issues globally. Expressing interest in applying this approach to critical health problems, Gates acknowledged the potential impact of Indian solutions on a global scale.
Gates also emphasized the potential of Indian companies in diagnostics, particularly for tuberculosis (TB). He expressed confidence that Indian innovation would play a significant role in addressing global health challenges. Highlighting maternal anaemia as a priority, Gates mentioned the government’s efforts to scale up interventions, emphasizing the importance of Indian innovation in developing affordable products that can benefit the world.
Commending India’s progress in key health indicators, including reductions in maternal and child mortality, high immunization coverage, and efforts to eliminate diseases like kala azar, Gates expressed optimism about India’s achievements and its potential to contribute significantly to global health solutions in the future.