Practice NEws Soty 9: Investigative

Logan, Utah Wednesday 28, 2007 4:45 pm


The discovery of a partnership between Bill and Melinda Gates and fellow philanthropist Ted Turner has hinted of a soon to be major world effort to aid Africans in the irradiation of HIV and the education of thousands. While on an assignment I witnessed the three billionaires getting of a private jet in a remote corner of Africa forgotten by most of the world. No former collaboration between the two has ever been mentioned by either party but it not thought unwelcome by the local community. Local African mayor Malik Ok said that he met with the group and they “ talked about opportunities that exist between their goals and my people.” With the history of the Gates work in Africa as credentials enough for anyone, Ok agreed that his constituents would collaborate with them on the project to help their people become more educated and increase the standard of living.
Mr. Gates reiterated his two main goals for the continent, “to educate underprivileged people and to eradicate diseases.” With a project of this magnitude, he admits they will greatly need the resources of both Ted Turner and the Who. Dr. Margaret Chan of the WHO summarized their efforts by showing gratitude for philanthropists worldwide, “I think the generosity of philanthropist in the world …like Bill and Melinda Gates is facilitating the philosophy we have and there generosity and goals really makes my organization effective and worth while.”