On May 8, 2025, Bill Gates announced his intention to donate 99% of his estimated $108 billion fortune by 2045, effectively closing the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. This decision aims to address urgent global challenges, particularly in health and poverty alleviation. Gates emphasized that he does not wish to be remembered as someone who died rich, stating, “There are too many urgent problems to solve for me to hold onto resources that could be used to help people.”
In his announcement, Gates also criticized Elon Musk’s role in advocating for significant cuts to U.S. foreign aid, particularly through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). He warned that such reductions could lead to increased childhood mortality in impoverished regions. Gates expressed concern over the U.S. pulling back from global health and humanitarian assistance, questioning whether wealthy nations will continue to support the world’s poorest populations.
The Gates Foundation, co-founded with Melinda French Gates in 2000, has been a major force in global health initiatives, contributing to significant reductions in preventable childhood deaths. Despite its achievements, the foundation has faced criticism for its influence on global health policies and its approach to vaccine distribution during the COVID-19 pandemic. Gates’ commitment to donate the majority of his wealth underscores his dedication to philanthropy and addressing global inequities.
Source; Al Jazeera
