While Apple CEO Steve Jobs is busy unveiling the new sexy iPhone 4G, Bill Gates, tech mogul of yester-year, has been working on something perhaps a bit more worthwhile for the world. (Not that I don’t want that phone, Steve).
Yesterday, Bill and wife Melinda announced that their foundation – The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation – will provide $1.5 billion (yes, you read that right) in aid to children and maternal health in developing countries.
According to the United Nations, more than 500,000 women die each year while giving birth, and as many as 3 million infants die in the first year of life. Nearly 80% of all maternal deaths are concentrated in 21 countries and six countries (many of which are Muslim-majority) account for more than half of them. Those countries are India, Nigeria, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Ethiopia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
In addition to this announcement, the Gates’ are continuing their work on malaria vaccines and aid to combat HIV/AIDS in Africa and other Muslim nations. This week, Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan stated, “Thank you also for what you are doing for Nigeria as a nation. We appreciate and commend your efforts.” The foundation has already given over $2.2 billion in aid to combat HIV/AIDS efforts.
Melinda Gates announced the news at this week’s 2010 Women Deliver conference, stating that the initiative is a “personal priority” and communicating her desire to “make a new world for mothers and children.” Hey Steve – you got an app for that?
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Email: fhamid@elanthemag.com
Twitter: twitter.com/FarrahEditor
Photo: Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
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