Bill Gates: "COVID-19 Protective Equipment, Vaccines, and Treatments Must Be Distributed Equitably"

[Asia Economy International Desk Reporter] Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft (MS) and chairman of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, emphasized the need for efficient allocation of global resources to combat the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

In a special op-ed published on the 11th (local time) in major global media outlets, Gates urged world leaders to cooperate in fighting COVID-19 and ensure that protective equipment, vaccines, and treatments are distributed equitably.

Gates stated, "A global approach is necessary to fight COVID-19," adding, "The virus does not care about borders. Even if advanced countries succeed in slowing the spread of COVID-19 over the next few months, if the virus spreads severely elsewhere, it can resurge."

He called on the leaders of the Group of Twenty (G20) to ensure the efficient allocation of global resources such as masks, gloves, and diagnostic kits to combat COVID-19.

He warned, "Currently, the distribution of masks and diagnostic testing equipment is simply determined by who offers the highest price," and cautioned, "If the procurement of relief equipment to fight COVID-19 turns into a bidding war, this virus will claim more lives than necessary."

Furthermore, he said, "The only way to end the pandemic is for people to develop immunity to this virus," and called on G20 leaders to make meaningful commitments to invest in research and development (R&D) funds for vaccine creation. Gates emphasized that "any vaccine must be accessible to everyone at an affordable price."

He also introduced that the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), launched in cooperation with his foundation and the Wellcome Trust Foundation along with several countries, is developing at least eight types of COVID-19 vaccines, and researchers are confident that at least one will be ready within 18 months. He explained that investment funds play a crucial role in vaccine development, noting that CEPI requires at least $2 billion, and the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) will need $7.4 billion over the next five years.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.