Looking Up
There’s no doubt: This was a tough year. But it’s worth taking a minute to look back at some of the bright spots—including saving more children’s lives, making a breakthrough on TB, and hitting a big milestone in the fight against AIDS.
Five Great Reads
My best-of list includes a British journalist on the Asian miracle, a French economist on global inequality, and an Australian novelist on clueless geneticists.
From Japan to Djibouti
Joe Studwell’s How Asia Works made me wonder whether the lessons from the rise of China, Japan, and other nations apply on another continent.
Different ≠ Less Than
Melinda and I loved Graeme Simsion’s The Rosie Project and I sent it to dozens of friends. The sequel is about to come out, and it’s just as good.
Spending Pennies, Saving Lives
I often say that they are one of the best investments we can make for improving health. Here’s why.
The Future of Higher Education
I went to Arizona to see what the future of college might look like. I left inspired about a new era of online learning.
On the Front Lines of an Epidemic
For two weeks, Dr. Ada Igonoh had the deadly virus. Here is the story of her survival.
Breaking a Fever
At the conference of health experts I’m attending, Ebola is on everyone’s mind. I shared a few thoughts about the epidemic but spent the bulk of my time talking about another killer disease: malaria.
Recommended Reads
I might read more about diseases than about any other subject. The books are not always a light read, but the more I learn, the more I’m amazed by the progress the world has made in saving lives and preventing sickness. It’s inspiring to hear about the people behind this progress: the scientists, health workers, and others who commit (and sometimes risk) their lives to help others. And understanding the mechanics of various diseases is a huge help for my work with the Gates Foundation.
Here are four good ones that I’ve read over the years.
Beyond the Plow
Whenever I visit small farmers in a poor country, I’m struck by how many are laboring with hoes, plows, and other implements that haven’t changed in generations. Yet farmers in wealthier countries have benefited from wave after wave of technological improvements. This gap is one big reason why some farmers produce much more food than others.
Thankfully, some of the brightest minds in Africa, India, and elsewhere are creating new tools to close the gap.
Here are four especially promising innovations…
Cornell’s Corn
I recently met with some researchers whose cutting-edge work in genetics could help millions of people eat better, earn more money, and improve their lives.
My Favorite Root
I’m kind of fascinated by cassava. You’ve probably eaten it, even if you didn’t know it. And it’s very important for feeding the world. Here’s a slideshow with a few facts about this intriguing root.