Bill Gates, PAHO plan affordable weight-loss drugs for poorer nations
Source: REUTERSAjeng Dinar UlfianaFile Photo Key Points: Bill Gates weight-loss drugs plan seeks affordable obesity treatments for poorer nations. Patent expiries may allow low-cost generics and local trials. PAHO to explore bulk purchasing to cut prices and boost access. LONDON, Oct. 10, 2025—The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) are exploring ways to make popular Bill Gates weight-loss drugs, such as Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy and Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro, accessible to lower-income countries. Both organizations confirmed they are developing strategies to address the high cost and limited availability of the medicines. Microsoft founder Bill Gates and PAHO Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa discussed their respective plans in separate interviews. It is the first time either has publicly addressed efforts to expand access to the drugs, which have become highly sought after in wealthier nations. About 70% of the estimated one billion people livin...