Bill Gates: "COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Early Next Year, Pandemic Will End in 2022"

Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft (MS), predicted that the COVID-19 vaccine will be distributed early next year and the pandemic will end in 2022.

On the 15th (local time), Gates made this statement during an interview about the "Goalkeepers Report," which is published annually by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which he established.

Regarding the current situation of COVID-19, Gates expressed concern, saying, "If we do not respond appropriately, the number of deaths could rise again after this fall," and added, "I am pessimistic about what the autumn in the Northern Hemisphere will look like."

He also warned, "If there is no (active quarantine) intervention, the death rate in several countries, including the United States, will rise again to the level seen in the spring."

Gates forecasted that the worst situation caused by COVID-19 will pass within two years. He said, "Vaccines will be supplied worldwide by next summer," and predicted, "Even with about 60% vaccination coverage, the exponential spread of the disease can be almost stopped." He continued, "Next year will be the year we exponentially reduce the numbers, and we will be able to end it in 2022."

Regarding the possibility of a rushed vaccine release before the presidential election due to pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who is seeking re-election, Gates drew a clear line. In an interview with CNBC on the same day, he said, "I don't think there will be any vaccine applying for approval for use in the U.S. by the end of October," and added, "If effective, at least two or three vaccines may apply for approval in December or January."

As a frontrunner in COVID-19 vaccine development, Gates mentioned the American pharmaceutical company Pfizer. He said, "Assuming everything goes perfectly, the only vaccine likely to apply for emergency use authorization by the end of October will be Pfizer’s."

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