Bill Gates often speaks on major topics like artificial intelligence, climate change, and pandemic preparedness. Yet, he is surprised that there’s little curiosity around other issues he finds just as critical, particularly those related to child health and nutrition.
Recently, on the “Possible” podcast with LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman, Gates shared his surprise that questions like “What do kids die of?” aren’t more common in public discussions. To Gates, understanding the causes of child mortality is a matter of fundamental importance, even more so than economic indicators like GDP, as it reveals essential insights into a society’s well-being.
Instead of focusing solely on technology or the economy, Gates is particularly interested in questions about human health, like “How does malnutrition work?” and “What’s the best way to understand diseases?”
Though these topics are rarely top priorities for the general public, Gates believes they are vital to understanding broader issues of global health. His focus is shaped by years of personal reflection and advocacy in this area, where he sees enormous potential for life-saving impact.
Bill Gates Calls for Urgent Focus on Child Health Over Economic Metrics Like GDP
Gates’ dedication to improving child health and reducing preventable deaths began nearly three decades ago after reading about the deadly effects of unsafe drinking water on children.
Since then, he has considered the question of child mortality “literally every day,” believing it to be one of the most meaningful indicators of a society’s strength. Organizations like the CDC also view low infant mortality rates as markers of societal health, while Gates emphasizes that addressing these basic health issues could transform life for vulnerable populations globally.
Malnutrition, for instance, presents both a humanitarian and economic crisis, costing the global economy an estimated $3.5 trillion annually in lost productivity, according to the World Health Organization. Gates argues that while most people may not consider it a pressing issue, it is within reach to solve it.
Wealthy nations could address global malnutrition with as little as 1% to 2% of their budgets, a “boring” but manageable solution that would make a massive difference without requiring public outcry.
Gates is struck by how little attention these issues receive, despite their importance. He believes society should show more interest in the basic questions around children’s health and survival, as they reflect how well a society protects its most vulnerable.
Addressing child health, malnutrition, and disease could have transformative impacts on global development and serve as the truest measure of a society’s values and priorities.
