Bill Gates: Anti-vaccine attitudes in rich countries makes herd immunity for measles impossible

Bill Gates stated that eradicating measles is no longer feasible due to rising vaccine hesitancy in wealthy nations, a trend championed by US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Gates noted that hesitancy has not spread to lower-income countries, where measles is deadlier. He also discussed the impact of aid cuts on global health.

Bill Gates stated in a Reuters interview that eradicating measles as a global health threat is no longer possible due to rising vaccine hesitancy in wealthy nations. The Microsoft co-founder and billionaire philanthropist said his foundation had previously aimed to wipe out the disease, but that goal is now off the table. Gates attributed the trend to a wave of skepticism championed by US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. He called the situation "kind of tragic." Gates noted that vaccine hesitancy has not spread to lower-income countries, where measles is much deadlier due to malnutrition and healthcare gaps. He expressed concern that doubters in the US could eventually influence global attitudes. Gates also discussed the impact of aid cuts led by the Trump administration, which he said have likely caused many deaths, though the restoration of some funds prevented the worst-case scenario. He continues to urge governments to restore aid.