Tag: Bill Gates news

Bill Gates has told employees at the Gates Foundation that he “took responsibility for his actions” as he addressed questions surrounding his past association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The remarks were made during a scheduled staff town hall, where Gates reportedly responded candidly and at length to concerns raised by employees. According to a statement from the foundation, he answered questions in detail, including those prompted by the release of new Epstein-related files by the United States Department of Justice in January.

“A Huge Mistake”

According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, which said it reviewed a recording of the internal meeting, Gates apologised for spending time with Epstein and described the association as a “huge mistake.” He maintained that he witnessed no illicit conduct during their interactions and insisted he never engaged in any wrongdoing.

Gates reportedly told staff that he first met Epstein in 2011—several years after Epstein had pleaded guilty to soliciting a minor for prostitution. Despite being aware of Epstein’s prior conviction and certain travel restrictions imposed on him, Gates acknowledged that he did not sufficiently scrutinise his background at the time.

Personal Matters Addressed

During the town hall, Gates also addressed personal issues that had surfaced publicly in recent years. According to the Journal, he admitted to having had two affairs with Russian women and said that Epstein later became aware of them.

The discussion formed part of a broader effort by Gates to confront lingering questions about his past associations and personal conduct, particularly as renewed public attention followed the latest document release by federal authorities.

While Gates reiterated that he did not participate in any illegal activity, he acknowledged that his decision to engage with Epstein had been a significant error in judgment.

Millions of people in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are set to benefit from a groundbreaking HIV prevention drug that will soon be available at a fraction of its original cost.

On 24 September 2025 in New York, global health leaders announced that lenacapavir, a powerful injectable used for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), will be made widely accessible through new pricing agreements.

Public health experts are hailing the development as a potential “game-changer” in the fight against HIV.

Price Cut Through Partnership

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has partnered with Hetero Labs, an Indian pharmaceutical manufacturer, to produce a generic version of lenacapavir.

The generic will cost around $40 per patient annually—roughly KSh 5,000—making it affordable for national health systems in LMICs. To accelerate rollout, the Gates Foundation has committed over $80 million in upfront funding and volume guarantees.

Dr. Vamsi Krishna, Managing Director of Hetero Group, welcomed the deal:
“Hetero is pleased to partner with the Gates Foundation to create a pathway for the sustainable and affordable supply of lenacapavir.”

Six Months of Protection

Unlike traditional PrEP, which requires strict daily pill adherence, lenacapavir is administered just twice a year. A single injection provides six months of HIV protection, removing barriers such as stigma and adherence challenges.

The drug has already won regulatory approvals, with the U.S. FDA clearing it in June and the European Commission following in August.

Meeting a Critical Gap

The need for wider HIV prevention remains urgent. In 2024, an estimated 1.3 million people acquired HIV, yet only 18% of those eligible for PrEP currently have access to it.

Modelling suggests that making lenacapavir affordable and accessible to just 4% of people in high-burden countries could prevent up to 20% of new infections.

Rollout Timeline

The first generic versions are expected by 2027, subject to regulatory approval. However, limited supplies may reach LMICs as early as late 2025 through programmes such as the Global Fund and PEPFAR.

Other partners, including Unitaid and Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories (DRL), are also pursuing parallel agreements to secure additional low-cost supply.

With its convenience, affordability, and strong protection, lenacapavir could reshape the global HIV prevention landscape—and bring the world closer to ending the epidemic.