In a dynamic discussion during UN General Assembly week, Mark Suzman, CEO of the Gates Foundation, shared insights on the foundation’s 25-year legacy and its ambitious $912 million commitment to the Global Fund. Highlighting unprecedented progress in reducing child mortality and combating infectious diseases, Suzman emphasized the urgent need for global collaboration amidst funding challenges. From innovative vaccines to AI-driven diagnostics, he outlined a vision for transforming lives in Africa and beyond, while addressing critical questions on sustainability, misinformation, and local partnerships.
Africa’s health landscape is transforming, thanks to bold commitments from global partners. At the recent Goalkeepers event during UN General Assembly week, the Gates Foundation announced a major $912 million pledge to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. This move underscores confidence in proven tools that have already saved millions of lives across the continent.
Mark Suzman, CEO of the Gates Foundation, shared insights in a roundtable discussion, highlighting the progress made since the Millennium Development Goals launched in 2000. “This century has seen the greatest successes in human history in terms of improvements in global health,” Suzman said. Preventable child deaths have dropped from over 10 million annually to under five million, with infectious diseases like HIV, TB and malaria halved through vaccines, antiretrovirals and bed nets.
The pledge, part of the Global Fund’s Eighth Replenishment for 2026-2028, keeps the foundation’s support steady amid funding uncertainties. Gates Foundation announcement brings their total contributions to the Global Fund to $4.9 billion since 2002. Suzman emphasized the fund’s role as “arguably the most successful public/private partnership” of the century, crediting it with saving 70 million lives.
Yet challenges persist. Governments face budget pressures, with potential cuts from major donors like the U.S. and UK. Suzman noted the risk: “On current trends, it seems possible that we will raise less money than we did three years ago.” In Africa, where disease burdens remain high, this could stall gains. Nigeria, for instance, leads in malaria cases, but partnerships with local leaders are driving change. Suzman praised Nigeria’s health minister for prioritizing vaccinations and malaria campaigns, boosting economic growth by reducing illness.
Journalists from across Africa raised key questions. Ina Skosana from South Africa’s Health-e News asked about UNAIDS reforms amid funding talks. Suzman stressed maximizing resources for HIV reduction, urging reforms that keep patient needs central. Teresa Clarke of Africa.com queried donor pullbacks post-COVID, when interconnected health risks became clear. “There is no real justification for cutting funding to global health,” Suzman replied, calling it one of the world’s most impactful investments.
Innovation offers hope. The foundation is trialing a new TB vaccine in Africa and Asia, their largest investment at over half a billion dollars. Results expected next year could mark the first advance in a century. In women’s health, a $2.5 billion commitment targets under-researched areas like preeclampsia and gestational diabetes, affecting mothers worldwide but hitting Africa hardest.
Suzman addressed sustainability as the foundation plans to close in 20 years, committing $200 billion in the interim. “Our role is catalytic,” he said. They test innovations, like drought-resistant maize in Kenya and Nigeria, then hand off to governments and private sectors. In agriculture, 75% of the world’s poorest rely on small farms; foundation-backed seeds and livestock boost incomes without dependency.
Misinformation emerged as a barrier. Indonesian trials face conspiracy theories, mirroring African challenges. Suzman advocated transparency: “The best defense is third parties rather than us speaking ourselves.” Community leaders, faith groups and media play vital roles in building trust.
AI holds exciting potential for Africa. Suzman highlighted handheld ultrasound devices using AI for pregnancy diagnostics, rivaling hospital equipment in low-resource settings. Similar tools could aid TB detection or support community health workers with triage and self-care advice.
Ravi Velloor from Singapore’s Straits Times asked about U.S. cuts under President Trump. Suzman confirmed ongoing dialogues, including by Bill Gates, hoping for leadership in the replenishment. The U.S. has historically funded a third of the Global Fund.
African nations are stepping up too. Indonesia’s shift from aid recipient to donor inspires, as does Ethiopia and Nigeria’s focus on human capital. Suzman urged domestic resource growth: “There is no more effective investment than the human capital of your own citizens.”
This pledge signals resilience. As Suzman noted, amid conflicts and economic strains, everyday actions by teachers, workers and governments transform lives. Africa’s innovators lead, proving progress is possible with unified effort.
