The war between Russia and Ukraine continues to rage and who knows when it will stop. Bill Gates also spoke about the dangers behind the war which also dragged many countries, such as NATO members who are actively assisting Ukraine in the form of weapons.
When asked whether the war in Ukraine would make some country leaders ignore other important issues such as countering climate change or preparing for the next pandemic after Corona, Bill Gates said yes.
"Of course. Of course we need to spend resources in Ukraine. But the budget in Europe, in rich countries, has been taken up by the pandemic. That's all before funding what we need to do about climate change," he said.
"Come the problem of Ukraine, which will increase the defense budget, refugees, rebuilding, electricity subsidies, or extra costs for food. So the challenge will indeed be tough," said Bill Gates.
So the founder of Microsoft stressed the need to continue to remind that climate change or health issues must still be a top priority and must continue to get funding, not just fixate on the war.
"I think it's very important that we speak up so that global health or any pandemic preparation initiatives are kept in mind and don't move on. If we get fewer resources, the next decade will be tragic," he was quoted as saying by the Guardian.
Bill Gates is indeed keen to ask governments to always be alert in the face of a pandemic that may lurk in the future so that there are not many victims. However, due to the war between Russia and Ukraine, it can be ignored, especially with the budget depletion.