The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has announced $1.27 billion in health and development commitments to advance progress toward achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

Announced during United Nations General Assembly week, the commitments include a $912 million pledge to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria; $100 million to help alleviate the food crisis disproportionately impacting communities in Africa and South Asia and address its underlying causes; $20 million to the Global Child Nutrition Fund; $200 million to expand global Digital Public Infrastructure; and $50 million to the Partners In Health Scholarship Fund for the University of Global Health Equity in Rwanda. Earlier this month, the foundation released its sixth annual Goalkeepers Report, which noted that nearly every indicator of the SDGs is off track at the halfway point for achieving them by 2030.

“The last time we gathered in person for Goalkeepers, we talked about how the most well-intentioned programs can perpetuate inequities if the communities they want to reach aren’t involved in the design,” said Gates Foundation co-chair Melinda French Gates. “A lot has changed since 2019, but one thing hasn’t: We won’t make progress toward the [SDGs] unless those with lived experiences have a seat at the table. I’m proud of our Goalkeepers Award winners and the many partners from all corners of the world who are working to develop this next generation of leaders.” 

“This week has underscored the urgency of the challenges we face and the promise of sustainable solutions that save and improve lives,” said Gates Foundation CEO Mark Suzman. “We can get back on track toward the SDGs, but it’s going to take a new level of collaboration and investment from every sector. That’s why our foundation is significantly stepping up our commitment to help confront crises now and ensure long-term impact across critical determinants of health and development.”

(Photo credit: Flickr/Marc Smith)