Overview
- In interviews published Friday, Bill Gates linked a rare uptick in global child mortality to sudden reductions in foreign aid by major donors including the U.S., U.K. and Germany.
- He said he is in active talks with President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio and believes the U.S. can return to near pre-2025 generosity levels.
- Gates reiterated that private philanthropy cannot replace public aid even as he accelerates his own giving to address the shortfall.
- Gates Foundation CEO Mark Suzman said cuts in international aid are the largest single driver of the projected increase in under-five deaths.
- Gates emphasized the life-saving impact of vaccination programs, criticized reduced U.S. support for Gavi, and cited disruptions in places such as northern Nigeria.