POLITICO Examines Gates Foundation’s Funding Of, Influence At WHO

POLITICO: Meet the world’s most powerful doctor: Bill Gates
“…Over the past decade, the world’s richest man has become the World Health Organization’s second biggest donor, second only to the United States and just above the United Kingdom. This largesse gives [Bill Gates] outsized influence over its agenda, one that could grow as the U.S. and the U.K. threaten to cut funding if the agency doesn’t make a better investment case. … The member country delegates POLITICO spoke to did not voice particular concern over Gates’ influence and were confident he is well intentioned. However, his sway has [some] NGOs and academics worried. … Others simply fear the U.N. body relies too much on Gates’ money, and that the entrepreneur could one day change his mind and move it elsewhere. Gates and his foundation team have heard the criticism, but they are convinced that the impact of their work and money is positive…” (Huet/Paun, 5/4).

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