Bill Gates Pens Annual Letter, Challenges Myths that Prevent Global Progress

This year, philanthropist Bill Gates begins his annual open letter by pointing out that, by any measure, the world is better than it’s ever been.

“You might think that such striking progress would be widely celebrated, but in fact, Melinda and I are struck by how many people think the world is getting worse,” Gates writes. “The belief that the world can’t solve extreme poverty and disease, isn’t just mistaken. It is harmful.”

Gates dedicates his 2014 philanthropic agenda to dismantling the three myths that prevent global progress toward eradicating poverty and disease:

Myth #1: Poor Countries Are Doomed To Stay Poor
Myth #2: Foreign Aid is a Big Waste
Myth #3: Saving Lives Leads to Overpopulation

Be sure to check out the video below from Bill Nye, the Science Guy, who explains why Myth #2: “Foreign Aid is a Big Waste,” is completely false:

With support from partners such as the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and many others, the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF) works tirelessly to provide access to HIV treatment and prevention measures that can help HIV-positive women and their children lead healthy and productive lives.

To learn more about EGPAF’s mission, click here.