Bill Gates Visits National Assembly: "Korea Hopes to Expand Role in Global Health Issues" (Comprehensive)

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (hereinafter the Gates Foundation), said on the 16th, "I hope South Korea will play an expanded role in the global health sector."

Microsoft founder Bill Gates, co-chairman of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, is giving a speech at the National Assembly Budget and Accounts Committee plenary session on the 16th. Photo by National Assembly Press Photographers Group

On the same day, Director Bill visited the National Assembly and said, "South Korea's investment in the global infectious disease eradication fund provides strong support for various global health initiatives." He added, "There is a lot to be done ahead, and through expanded partnerships, I expect a greater role for South Korea through science and technology." He said, "We will be able to eradicate infectious diseases such as polio and measles," and "We can save humanity from infectious diseases."

Regarding the vulnerability to infectious diseases due to the weakening of basic vaccinations after COVID-19, Director Gates said, "Global health partners have demonstrated leading creativity and generosity to minimize the worsening situation," and "It is very important to invest in the global fund at this point." He continued, "South Korea is the right candidate to take a leading role in this field," evaluating that "With solid vaccine manufacturing capabilities, an innovative private sector, research and development expertise, and a new global bio-manufacturing workforce training hub, South Korea is playing a leading role in COVID-19 diagnostics and is playing a key role in multilateral global efforts to respond to other infectious diseases."

He said, "The achievements so far have been remarkable," and mentioned, "The South Korean government has recently increased its investment in global health, deciding to contribute $200 million to the COVID vaccine access initiative." Director Gates emphasized, "South Korea's investment in the global infectious disease eradication fund provides strong support for various global health initiatives."

Regarding the COVID-19 crisis and others, Director Gates said, "We have realized that we are all deeply connected," and "If a pandemic infection occurs anywhere, it can spread like wildfire to everywhere else in an instant. It does not stop within borders but spreads beyond them like a fire." He added, "It also affects the economy," emphasizing, "The impact on stability extends beyond the economy to many areas. If a pandemic thrives in one region, the growth potential of surrounding regions is also limited, so we must end pandemics and prevent their recurrence."

Before his speech, Director Gates had a conversation in the chairman's reception room with National Assembly Speaker Kim Jin-pyo, Deputy Speaker Kim Young-joo, Democratic Party floor leader Park Hong-geun, People Power Party floor leader Kwon Seong-dong, Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee Chair Yoon Jae-ok, and Health and Welfare Committee Chair Jung Chun-sook.

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