This article caught my eye. Reported in dozens (hundreds?) of media -- that Melinda and Bill Gates, of Microsoft fame, have pledged $10 billion (yes, with a B) to provide vaccinations to 8.7 million children in third world, developing countries over the next 10 years. That's in addition to almost $5 billion they had pledged previously to kickstart this initiative.
I find this to be a very noble and generous contribution, especially because of the bigger picture ramifications. This huge sum of money, given for this cause, is more than the sum of its parts.
First, this is a recognition that vaccines work to save lives. Believe me, the Gates Foundation could not afford to be sued by every family who lost a child to a vaccine if the vaccines weren't safe!
Second, this is a recognition that there is merit in herd immunity. The goal is to vaccinate 90% of the children in these countries. That 90% will all but eradicate those diseases, not just in those countries but in the areas that surround them. After all, those germs don't know about political boundaries! When anyone who is vaccinated travels, they won't be able to spread those germs even beyond their local area.
Third, this is a signal to denialists who think vaccines are some sort of conspiracy to eradicate the world's population, that the rest of the world embraces vaccines.... they work.... they will save lives.
Bill Gates is a smart man. One reason he is so smart is because he surrounds himself with knowledgeable people. He cannot, and won't, make huge donations when there is any question if they are a smart move. He would not risk lives, his reputation nor his entire fortune on being wrong.
Enough said.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Learn more or join the conversation!
NEWSLETTER | FORUM | BIO | TWITTER | FACEBOOK
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Photo © Getty Images
I can understand the benefits of providing funds for vaccines to save thousands of lives. But I would consider allocating part of this money to promote the benefits of birth control in the countries that will benefit from the vaccine because over population is the major cause of hunger and diseases in the world.
‘Hands-on’ prevention is key! There is a great, safe germ-prevention method to keep away cold and flu – Germ Smarts for Kids. The kids learn how to both avoid AND keep from spreading germs. Since my child learned this at daycare, we no longer play the “pass the germs” game! We have only had 1 cold all fall after our child learned with this program – last year same time 3.