All lives 
have equal value

we are impatient optimists working to reduce inequity

2017 BILL AND MELINDA GATES

ANNUAL LETTER

Read the letter
our missions to Achieve our vision
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Ensuring more young people survive and thrive

Ensure more children
and young people

Survive And
Thrive

Ensuring more young people survive and thrive

we believe

the path out of poverty begins when the next generation can access quality healthcare and a great education.

In developing countries, we focus on improving people’s health and wellbeing, helping individuals lift themselves out of hunger and extreme poverty. In the United States, we seek to ensure that all people—especially those with the fewest resources—can access the opportunities they need to succeed in school and life.

A closer Look
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Empower the poorest

EMPOWER
THE POOREST

ESPECIALLY WOMEN AND GIRLS,
TO TRANSFORM THEIR LIvES

Empower the poorest

We believe

that by giving people the tools to lead healthy, productive lives, we can help them lift themselves out of poverty.

Every year, millions of people find ways to transition out of poverty—by adopting new farming technologies, investing in new business opportunities, or finding new jobs. We know women and girls have a unique power to reshape societies. When you invest in a woman’s health and empowerment, it has a ripple effect, helping families, communities, and countries achieve long-lasting benefits.

A closer look
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Combat infectious diseases that particularly affect the poorest

Combat
infectious
Diseases

That particularly affect
the poorest

Combat infectious diseases that particularly affect the poorest

We believe

we can save lives by delivering the latest in science and technology to those with the greatest needs.

We work with partners to provide effective vaccines, drugs, and diagnostics and to develop innovative approaches to deliver health services to those who need it most. And we invest heavily in developing new vaccines to prevent infectious diseases that impose the greatest burden.

A closer look

WORKING TOGETHER IN OUR LOCAL COMMUNITIES

We recognize that improving people’s lives often happen at the local level, where individuals take action in their own communities.

Philanthropy Built on People and Partnerships

Our grantees, staff, and partners are critical in achieving our vision of a world where every person has the opportunity to live a healthy, productive life.