Twenty years ago, we created a foundation dedicated to world health because we wanted to use Microsoft’s resources to help as many people as possible. Health is the basis for a prosperous society. It became more evident than ever last year, when the pandemic upset many lives, in Italy and around the world.
–
Although our foundation has long feared a possible pandemic – especially after the Ebola outbreak in West Africa – we have been impressed by the dramatic repercussions of Covid-19 on the economy, jobs, education and well-being. Across Europe, countries continue to experience significant numbers of infections and deaths and must impose restrictions that are inevitable, but which have a heavy impact on society and the economy.
–
If 2020 will be remembered as the year when a global threat reached almost every person on the planet, we hope that 2021 will be remembered as the year in which the whole world was able to benefit from a fair and effective solution against Covid-19. If there is a reason to be optimistic, that in the last year the world has experienced the greatest commitment to public health in history: a commitment that involves politicians, researchers, health professionals, entrepreneurs, associations, religious communities and many others who , all over the world, they collaborate in a new way.
–
An important common commitment because, in a global crisis like this, we must avoid that companies make decisions dictated by profit or that governments intervene to protect only their own population. Different people and interests must come together with good will for the benefit of all humanity.
–
Philanthropy can help facilitate this cooperation. As our foundation has been dealing with infectious diseases for decades, we have built strong and lasting relationships with the World Health Organization, experts, governments and the private sector. And since our foundation is particularly dedicated to the problems of the poorest populations in the world, we know how important it is that all those taking part in the fight against the pandemic also take into account the specific needs of the poorest countries.
–
To date, our foundation has invested $ 1.75 billion in the fight against Covid-19. Most of this funding was devoted to the production and purchase of essential health products. For example, we helped researchers develop new therapies for Covid-19 and worked with our partners to make sure that the formulation of these drugs would allow them to be transported and used even in the poorest areas of the world, so that everyone can use. We have also supported initiatives to discover and distribute safe and effective vaccines against the virus.
–
The fact that vaccines against Covid-19 are already starting to be available a fantastic demonstration of the strength of global cooperation. No country or company could have achieved this alone. Around the world, funders pooled resources, competitors shared research findings, and all benefited from years of global investment in technologies that opened a new era in vaccine development. A global and fair response to the pandemic, aimed at promoting sustainable growth, is at the heart of the G20 under the Italian presidency, which has just begun.
–
Developing safe and effective vaccines for just the beginning. Vaccine distribution is also important. The doses must be delivered to all those who need them, wherever they live. To this end, we will have to rely on organizations such as Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. Over the past twenty years, Gavi has delivered vaccines to 822 million children in low-income countries and is now participating in international initiatives to distribute Covid-19 vaccines.
–
As difficult as it is to imagine it now, with so many people still suffering due to Covid-19, this pandemic will one day end. That day will come thanks to those around the world who have collaborated to help us get through the crisis. Their courage and commitment will get us through this pandemic, and we have a duty to start again so that the whole world is stronger and prepared for the next challenge.
–
–
January 26, 2021 (change January 26, 2021 | 21:36)
© REPRODUCTION RESERVED
– .
