Bill Gates talks Covid-19, AI & latest innovations to tackle maternal mortality

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has announced that new insights from the Covid-19 pandemic are being leveraged to develop tools and practices aimed at improving survival rates for mothers and babies. According to the latest Goalkeepers Report released by the foundation, these new learnings are projected to save the lives of approximately 2 million mothers and babies by the end of the decade. In an exclusive interview with CNBC Africa's Godfrey Mutizwa, Bill Gates, Co-Chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, shared insights on the ongoing efforts to enhance maternal and child health outcomes. Gates highlighted the foundation's dedication to researching new vaccines and interventions to further advance healthcare for mothers and infants. He emphasized the importance of new techniques to address mortality rates within the first 30 days of life, which account for nearly half of all deaths among this demographic. Gates stressed the significance of innovation, investment in research and development, as well as adequate funding for primary healthcare systems. The interview also delved into the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on global health progress, with Gates attributing recent regressions in maternal and child mortality rates to disruptions caused by the crisis. He underscored the need for renewed focus and investment in proven interventions, such as vaccines and malaria prevention measures, to combat the existing challenges. In reference to the concerning statistics in sub-Saharan Africa, where 390 women die in childbirth for every 100,000 live births, Gates highlighted the role of technology and digital solutions in enhancing healthcare delivery. He discussed the potential of leveraging digital tools for training, supply chain management, and real-time monitoring of healthcare services to optimize resource allocation and improve outcomes. Moreover, Gates outlined cost-effective interventions, such as those targeting postpartum hemorrhage, to demonstrate the impact of strategic investments in primary healthcare. When addressing the role of governments in advancing healthcare systems, Gates emphasized the importance of prioritizing health metrics and implementing innovative solutions to address maternal and child health challenges at a national level. He called for political leadership to drive investments in healthcare infrastructure, training, and new technologies to ensure sustainable progress in maternal and child health. Despite the setbacks caused by the pandemic and ongoing geopolitical conflicts, Gates expressed optimism about the potential for continued innovation and collaboration to address global health disparities. He underscored the need for concerted efforts to accelerate progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals related to maternal and child health. In the latter part of the interview, Gates shifted the discussion towards the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare. He highlighted AI's role in enhancing medical diagnostics, predicting high-risk pregnancies, and accelerating drug discovery processes. Gates emphasized the productivity gains and efficiencies that AI could bring to various sectors, including health and education, by enabling personalized services and streamlining workflows. Regarding concerns about AI regulation and ethical implications, Gates acknowledged the importance of ongoing discussions and collaboration among nations to establish guidelines for responsible AI deployment. He addressed potential risks associated with AI misuse, particularly in the context of bioterrorism and weapons development, underscoring the need for ensuring human control over AI applications to mitigate potential security threats. Overall, the interview with Bill Gates provided valuable insights into the intersection of healthcare innovation, AI advancements, and the imperative of collective action to improve maternal and child health outcomes on a global scale.