What We Learned from the Gates Presentation, pt. 2
We are still asking you to watch the Gates Presentation “Living Proof: Why We Are Impatient Optimists” and tell us what you learned for 500 points. Here are a few more of the responses so far:
I learned that in 1998 treatment was $12,000/person/year, but throughout the years it decreased to $7,000 then $2,000 on to $140. Now it costs <$90/person/year. That's roughly 133x MORE that we can help people as opposed to the original costs! Talk about moving forward and progressing in treatments!
- Drea Rewal, College of the Canyons
First of all, the overwhelming numbers of people that are affected by diseases that I am vaccinated for are amazing. Once again, I am overwhelmingly greatful that I have certain privileges that I honestly take for granted. Secondly, I was astonished of how far we have come regarding the prices for AIDS treatment. $12,000 to $98 a year per person is a beautiful accomplishment. There definitely is hope for all who suffer from this chronic virus, and the United States needs to continue to support the African communities that are distraught with AIDS and HIV deaths.
- Justin Stewart, Hillsborough Community College
I learned just how important vaccines are and how U.S. spending, research, and innovation is making a difference in the lives of real people around the world. I couldn’t help but cry tears of joy from seeing Avelile as a healthy young girl after seeing what AIDS had done to her. It was beautiful.
- Matt Sheffield, Indiana University Southeast
The private sector of development aid is booming like never seen before. This is illustrated by RED Campaign but especially with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. This video gave me hope that Bill and Melinda are actually taking the time to oversee their foundation: that their money isn’t leading the way and that their optimism isn’t blinding them. While Africa is very much in need of public health changes, it is wrong and too optimistic to believe that all investments will and can help in the short and long run. However, in this video I saw how Bill and Melinda are watching their investments to ensure that there is its benefit is maximized. This not “phantom” aid. Obviously, Bill and Melinda are not giving this speech to ask for more money but asking for impatient fervor that will being about actions to improve the health in Africa. The videos of the individuals and families, especially the one about maternal health and poor conditions of child birth in Ethiopia, was a way to see the problems and solutions. Although I am very critical of discourse on this subject, I still believe it is incredibly important to connect any audience with a subject, as was the effort here. In summary, I learned many things from this video, made me think of somethings in a different way, but ignited a glimmer of hope in the collective actions of impatient optimists that can count me in.
- Sarah Adelman, University of California-Berkeley
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