Billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates has once again raised concerns about potential pandemics that could pose a significant threat to humanity. Speaking on ABC News’ The View while promoting his new book, Source Code: My Beginnings, Gates warned that within the next 25 years, the world could face a pandemic far more devastating than any seen before.
A Stark Warning Based on Past Predictions
During the interview, Gates reflected on his past warnings about global pandemics. The host asked how he felt when the COVID-19 outbreak occurred in 2020, considering he had previously cautioned the world about such an event.
“It was unfortunate but expected,” Gates responded. “The pandemic we had warned about actually happened.” However, he emphasized that COVID-19 would not be the last global health crisis.
“This won’t be the final pandemic,” he added. “The next one could be even more severe.”
The Need for Better Preparedness
Gates stressed the importance of learning from past mistakes, urging global leaders to take pandemic preparedness more seriously than they did in 2020.
“People should be more concerned about pandemics than nuclear weapons or artificial intelligence. There are many risks to worry about, but none outweigh the threat of another global outbreak,” he said.
He also emphasized the role of governments in protecting their citizens, urging them to take proactive measures to prevent future outbreaks.
When Could the Next Pandemic Strike?
Gates estimated that a new pandemic could emerge within the next 25 years. However, based on current virus trends, he suggested there is a 10% chance that a major outbreak could occur within the next four years.
As the co-founder of Microsoft and a leading global health advocate, Gates concluded by expressing hope that the world will be better prepared next time.
“I hope that when the next pandemic comes, people will unite and take action, unlike what happened with COVID-19,” he said.
Bill Gates’ warning serves as a crucial reminder that the world must invest in better healthcare systems, scientific research, and global cooperation to prevent future pandemics. His message is clear: we cannot afford to be unprepared.
By staying informed and urging governments to act, we can reduce the impact of future health crises and protect future generations.
