Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates has cautioned of a 10-15% possibility of another pandemic breaking out in the next four years. In an interview with The Wall Street Journal recently, Gates reiterated that the world is still not ready for another global health crisis, even after learning from COVID-19. His reasons are poor healthcare infrastructure, poor pandemic response plans, and political polarization that is preventing global cooperation.

Key Highlights:

• Chances of a Pandemic: 

Bill Gates puts the chances of another pandemic in the world before 2029 at 10-15%.

• Lack of Preparedness:

Notwithstanding the influence of COVID-19, world health systems are mostly unprepared.

• Risk Factors:

Worsening climate change, urbanization, and global travel enhance the risk of pandemics.

• Call for Action:

Bill Gates emphasizes accelerated vaccine research, increased disease surveillance, and international coordination.

Statements by Leaders or Officials:
Bill Gates, Microsoft Co-founder & Philanthropist:
"The likelihood of a natural pandemic within the next four years is between 10 and 15 percent. And it'd be comforting to believe that we're actually better prepared for it than we were last time. But so far, we're not."
"People, instead of having a general agreement on what is lacking in tools, are largely still replaying the different errors that were made."Gates urges governments, global health organizations, and researchers to work together to improve pandemic response mechanisms. He emphasizes that failing to act now could lead to another devastating outbreak, affecting millions worldwide. His recommendations include strengthening international health infrastructure, improving early disease detection, and ensuring faster vaccine distribution.