Alex Fredrick
JF-Expert Member
- Jun 21, 2016
- 680
- 1,338
In these unprecedented times, we are seeing unprecedented commitment and action to beat the COVID-19 pandemic.
When our foundation launched the COVID-19 Therapeutics Accelerator with Wellcome and Mastercard earlier this month, our goal was to unwind the pandemic paradox that viruses spread rapidly but developing vaccines and treatments to stop them moves slowly.
Just three weeks in, the first clinical trials of possible treatments are getting underway. And in keeping with our promise to make the findings from research undertaken through the Accelerator public, all the data from these trials will be freely available to other scientists, researchers, and drug developers.
That’s not all. We are also delighted to announce that more partners are joining the Accelerator, including the UK government, Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, and Madonna — boosting the initial $125 million fund by at least another $75 million.
Trevor Mundel, President of Global Health, has more on these developments, which demonstrate the power of philanthropy to help fast-track health innovations — and, more importantly, the power of partnerships to take on the biggest challenges.
Another major development this week is the announcement by the Global Polio Eradication Initiative to repurpose its expertise, workforce, labs and surveillance network to support the response to COVID-19.
You can read more on this remarkable move that will help many of the world’s most vulnerable communities in a Q&A with Program Officer Dr. Erin Stuckey.
Much more needs to be done, especially in terms of support for a COVID-19 vaccine. And governments, industry and institutions need to respond quickly. But in these gloomy, uncertain times, it is a tonic, for me at least, to be able to report some promising news.
In that spirit of optimism, it’s well worth catching up with Bill Gates’ appearance on The Daily Show last night. In an op-ed for USA Today, Melinda Gates also encourages us to keep faith that we will get through this crisis, while issuing important reminders about the realities of poverty, disease, and inequality — and how they are exposed in a pandemic.
As Melinda says, “All of us can do our part to slow the spread of this disease.”
That effort can take many forms, of course. Even with daily life for many of us disrupted, there are a number of things you can still do that will have a significant impact. Above all, follow the public health guidance, physical distancing measures, and travel restrictions wherever you live.
There are also ways to support excellent, effective organizations tackling the pandemic. For example, through the World Health Organization’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund, and the Combating COVID-19 Fund set up by Gates Philanthropy Partners.
As I write, it’s two months to the day that I took over as the foundation’s CEO. I had little idea we’d now find ourselves in the grip of a global health crisis, which is altering the world in far-reaching and fundamental ways before our eyes.
This pandemic is testing us as an institution and as individuals. But there’s nothing I’d rather be doing more right now than leading this incredible organization.
-Mark Suzman, CEO
Three weeks, two drug trials: An update on the Therapeutics Accelerator with Trevor Mundel
Interview with Trevor Mundel
Trevor Mundel shares the significant progress from the Therapeutics Accelerator, and breaks down the science behind their testing and research approaches.
Read more ›
How you can help from home
By Mark Suzman
Foundation CEO Mark Suzman shares measures the public can take to help curb COVID-19 from home. By collectively following public health guidance, practicing physical distancing, and giving financially when able, communities can save lives around the world.
Read more ›
Polio teams respond to COVID-19: A conversation with Dr. Erin Stuckey
Interview with Dr. Erin Stuckey
Dr. Erin Stuckey of the foundation's polio eradication team shares details on GPEI’s pivot to COVID-19. She also underscores the importance of using the response to strengthen health systems—because when you strengthen the system to fight one disease, you strengthen the system to fight all disease.
Read more › What We're Reading
CBS News: Bill Gates talks about measures to combat COVID-19, the future of the U.S. economy, and our preparation for the next pandemic.
The Lancet: Members of the COVID-19 Vaccine Development Taskforce urge governments to ensure there is a globally fair allocation system.
The Telegraph: Dr. Robin Nandy, Global Chief of Immunization at UNICEF, has concerns about a potential explosion of infectious, preventable illnesses when life returns to “normal”.
Global Health Now: John Nkengasong, PhD, Director of the Africa CDC, shares the complicated situation Africa faces as they ramp up available testing and supplies, and how to gain the community’s trust.
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Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
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Seattle, Washington 98109
Copyright 2020, All rights reserved.
When our foundation launched the COVID-19 Therapeutics Accelerator with Wellcome and Mastercard earlier this month, our goal was to unwind the pandemic paradox that viruses spread rapidly but developing vaccines and treatments to stop them moves slowly.
Just three weeks in, the first clinical trials of possible treatments are getting underway. And in keeping with our promise to make the findings from research undertaken through the Accelerator public, all the data from these trials will be freely available to other scientists, researchers, and drug developers.
That’s not all. We are also delighted to announce that more partners are joining the Accelerator, including the UK government, Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, and Madonna — boosting the initial $125 million fund by at least another $75 million.
Trevor Mundel, President of Global Health, has more on these developments, which demonstrate the power of philanthropy to help fast-track health innovations — and, more importantly, the power of partnerships to take on the biggest challenges.
Another major development this week is the announcement by the Global Polio Eradication Initiative to repurpose its expertise, workforce, labs and surveillance network to support the response to COVID-19.
You can read more on this remarkable move that will help many of the world’s most vulnerable communities in a Q&A with Program Officer Dr. Erin Stuckey.
Much more needs to be done, especially in terms of support for a COVID-19 vaccine. And governments, industry and institutions need to respond quickly. But in these gloomy, uncertain times, it is a tonic, for me at least, to be able to report some promising news.
In that spirit of optimism, it’s well worth catching up with Bill Gates’ appearance on The Daily Show last night. In an op-ed for USA Today, Melinda Gates also encourages us to keep faith that we will get through this crisis, while issuing important reminders about the realities of poverty, disease, and inequality — and how they are exposed in a pandemic.
As Melinda says, “All of us can do our part to slow the spread of this disease.”
That effort can take many forms, of course. Even with daily life for many of us disrupted, there are a number of things you can still do that will have a significant impact. Above all, follow the public health guidance, physical distancing measures, and travel restrictions wherever you live.
There are also ways to support excellent, effective organizations tackling the pandemic. For example, through the World Health Organization’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund, and the Combating COVID-19 Fund set up by Gates Philanthropy Partners.
As I write, it’s two months to the day that I took over as the foundation’s CEO. I had little idea we’d now find ourselves in the grip of a global health crisis, which is altering the world in far-reaching and fundamental ways before our eyes.
This pandemic is testing us as an institution and as individuals. But there’s nothing I’d rather be doing more right now than leading this incredible organization.
-Mark Suzman, CEO
Three weeks, two drug trials: An update on the Therapeutics Accelerator with Trevor Mundel
Interview with Trevor Mundel
Trevor Mundel shares the significant progress from the Therapeutics Accelerator, and breaks down the science behind their testing and research approaches.
Read more ›
How you can help from home
By Mark Suzman
Foundation CEO Mark Suzman shares measures the public can take to help curb COVID-19 from home. By collectively following public health guidance, practicing physical distancing, and giving financially when able, communities can save lives around the world.
Read more ›
Polio teams respond to COVID-19: A conversation with Dr. Erin Stuckey
Interview with Dr. Erin Stuckey
Dr. Erin Stuckey of the foundation's polio eradication team shares details on GPEI’s pivot to COVID-19. She also underscores the importance of using the response to strengthen health systems—because when you strengthen the system to fight one disease, you strengthen the system to fight all disease.
Read more › What We're Reading
CBS News: Bill Gates talks about measures to combat COVID-19, the future of the U.S. economy, and our preparation for the next pandemic.
The Lancet: Members of the COVID-19 Vaccine Development Taskforce urge governments to ensure there is a globally fair allocation system.
The Telegraph: Dr. Robin Nandy, Global Chief of Immunization at UNICEF, has concerns about a potential explosion of infectious, preventable illnesses when life returns to “normal”.
Global Health Now: John Nkengasong, PhD, Director of the Africa CDC, shares the complicated situation Africa faces as they ramp up available testing and supplies, and how to gain the community’s trust.
Enjoying The Optimist? Forward to your colleagues and friends!
Make sure your profile is completed to ensure these newsletters are personalized to your preferences.
Was this email forwarded to you? Click here to sign up!
Send your ideas and comments to TheOptimist@gatesfoundation.org
This email was sent by:
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
500 5th Ave N
Seattle, Washington 98109
Copyright 2020, All rights reserved.
