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Bill Gates Urges Aid Restoration Amid Rising Child Mortality

1/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, released his annual letter, "Optimism with Footnotes," noting child mortality rose in 2025 from 4.6 million to 4.8 million due to reduced aid from wealthy nations.
Gates criticized the destruction of USAID and urged restoring aid budgets to reverse the trend.
Gates remains hopeful, saying innovation, especially AI, could deliver progress despite challenges.
He expects five difficult years but believes humanity can recover.

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Story summary

Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, released his annual letter, "Optimism with Footnotes," noting child mortality rose in 2025 from 4.6 million to 4.8 million due to reduced aid from wealthy nations.
Gates criticized the destruction of USAID and urged restoring aid budgets to reverse the trend.
Gates remains hopeful, saying innovation, especially AI, could deliver progress despite challenges.
He expects five difficult years but believes humanity can recover.