The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has announced an initial $50 million commitment in support of a ten-year initiative to support science and innovation in low- and middle-income countries.

Announced at the Grand Challenges Annual Meeting, the Grand Challenges Global Call to Action will prioritize grants to scientists from low- and middle-income countries and support a balanced representation of women principal investigators. Initial focus areas include data science, such as mathematical modeling to inform national malaria control programs; digital health services for pregnant women; and innovations to close gaps identified by current programs for eliminating neglected tropical diseases. The initiative is designed to ensure that scientists and institutions in low- and middle-income countries play a central role in shaping the global R&D agenda and developing solutions that can better meet the needs of their communities.

The foundation also announced the launch of the $7 million Global Immunology and Immune Sequencing for Epidemic Response program, which will work to ensure that scientists have the capacity to rapidly detect whether new variants of SARS-CoV-2 — the virus that causes COVID-19— in their communities show signs of evading immune response, allowing national and regional stakeholders to respond appropriately. Through the program, the foundation will provide funding to investigative teams in South Africa, Senegal, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Brazil, and India to expand their immunological capacity.

"We need the ideas and leadership of the people who are closest to the global health challenges we're working to address," said Gates Foundation CEO Mark Suzman. "The Grand Challenges Global Call to Action represents our commitment to advance innovation and equity while strengthening local partners in a sustainable way."

(Photo credit: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation)