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Bill Gates’ Mosquito Stunt Raises Malaria Awareness

Posted on: Thursday, 5 February 2009, 14:15 CST

Microsoft founder Bill Gates released a jar of live mosquitoes at an elite Technology Entertainment Design (TED) Conference as a reference to the world’s battle against malaria, the AFP reported.

Gates told the audience of technology kings, politicians, and Hollywood stars that mosquitoes spread malaria before proceeding to release a jar of them onstage.

“There is no reason only poor people should be infected," he joked, before assuring the audience that the liberated insects were malaria-free.

The stunt was Gates’ attempt to hammer home the importance of malaria prevention throughout the world.

TED curator Chris Anderson jokingly suggested that the headline for the video of his talk be posted online at Ted.com as "Gates releases more bugs into the world."

The TED conferences organizers called it an “amazing moment” that provided the audience with food for thought.

Gates told the audience about the numerous strides made in dealing with malaria in affluent countries and the need to fight the disease in impoverished nations.

He also said there is more money put into baldness drugs than into malaria.

"Now, baldness is a terrible thing and rich men are afflicted. That is why that priority has been set."

He further called for more aggressive distribution of insect netting and other gear that helps protect people from the disease-transmitting insects.

An experimental new malaria vaccine backed by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is set to start Phase Three testing in a few months and Gates spoke of his optimism for the new treatment.

"The market does not drive scientists, thinkers, or governments to do the right things. Only by paying attention and making people care can we make as much progress as we need to."

Gates also spoke about the gloomy feeling he sensed last month during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

"I think it is good that the mood in Davos was bleak," Gates said.

"It was a great meeting where people really had to say 'Hi, how is your economy falling apart ... Gee that is different than how mine is ... What is your solution?'"

With new technologies playing vital roles, Gates said he is confident the economy will recover, but added that the financial meltdown was "a great checkpoint" compelling people to think realistically about money and business.

Gates said his time at Davos was a chance to make sure aid for the poorest countries doesn't get cut.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation plans to increase annual spending this year to 3.8 billion dollars despite its investment portfolio's value sinking.

Gates also called for a vast improvement in the quality of teachers at U.S. schools because it will take "brilliant people" to solve the world's woes.

Malaria is one of the biggest killers in the developing world. Most deaths occur in sub-Saharan Africa, where the most deadly strain of malaria is prevalent.

Malaria is caused by a parasite transmitted by certain types of mosquitoes. Symptoms usually begin with a high fever, neck and back pain and progress to shivering, vomiting and convulsions. Children are particularly vulnerable.

Gates told the audience that the market does not drive scientists, thinkers, or governments to do the right things.

“Only by paying attention and making people care can we make as much progress as we need to.”

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On the Net:

• Technology Entertainment Design
• Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
• Image Courtesy Wikipedia

Source: redOrbit Staff & Wire Reports

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