Prime Minister Ishiba Meets Bill Gates, Vows 81 Billion Yen for Child Vaccinations

TOKYO, Aug 20 (News On Japan) - Prime Minister Ishiba held a 30-minute meeting with Microsoft founder and global philanthropist Bill Gates at the Prime Minister’s Office on August 19th, where the two exchanged views on global health issues.

Speaking to reporters afterward, Gates noted that “a great deal of technological innovation is happening in Japan, giving rise to new products,” adding that such advances “can contribute to improving health in Africa.”

Gates has established a foundation dedicated to addressing global challenges such as disease and poverty, with particular emphasis on the Gavi Vaccine Alliance, which promotes vaccinations for children in developing countries including Africa.

Saito, leader of the Komeito party who attended the meeting, revealed that Ishiba informed Gates of Japan’s plan to provide 550 million dollars, or about 81 billion yen, over the next five years to support the activities of the Gavi Vaccine Alliance.

Source: FNN

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