Gates Foundation commits fresh $250m to tackling COVID-19 — donations hit $1.75bn

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has announced the commitment of an additional $250 million to support the research, development, and equitable delivery of lifesaving tools in the global effort against COVID-19.

Marking the end of a year focused on the scientific breakthroughs needed to end the pandemic, the foundation calls for global commitments to making these innovations available in 2021 to everyone who needs them.

“Everyone, everywhere deserves to benefit from the science developed in 2020,” Melinda Gates, co-chair of the Gates Foundation, said.

“We are confident that the world will get better in 2021, but whether it gets better for everyone depends on the actions of the world’s leaders and their commitment to deliver tests, treatments, and vaccines to the people who need them, no matter where they live or how much money they have.”

This donation, which is the foundation’s largest single contribution to the COVID-19 response to date, is aimed at supporting continued innovation to develop tests, treatments, and vaccines that are easier to scale and deliver.

It is also expected to support the delivery of new COVID-19 tests, treatments, and vaccines, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

“Thanks to the ingenuity of the global scientific community, we are achieving the exciting medical breakthroughs needed to end the pandemic,” Bill Gates, co-chair of the Gates Foundation, said.

“We have new drugs and more potential vaccines than we could have expected at the start of the year. But these innovations will only save lives if they get out into the world.”

“The next phase of fighting this pandemic will be much costlier than the initial development of safe and effective vaccines. Our commitment today is only a fraction of what is needed and will be focused on the areas where philanthropy can best add value,” Gates Foundation CEO, Mark Suzman, added.

“Every institution with a role to play has to be generous now. Multilateral organizations, national governments, companies, and philanthropies—we all must invest in making sure the tests, drugs, and vaccines reach as many people as possible.”

Thursday’s announcement brings the foundation’s total commitments to the global COVID-19 response to $1.75 billion.

At a press briefing to discuss the impact of this funding on equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, Suzman also explained the possible timeline for distribution and how soon the world can see widespread coverage.