Bill Gates and PAHO Push for Global Access to Weight-Loss Drugs

The Gates Foundation and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) are collaborating to expand access to high-cost weight-loss medications beyond affluent nations. Their initiative targets pharmaceutical giants like Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, whose drugs Mounjaro, Zepbound, and Wegovy dominate the market. These treatments, often priced over $1,000 per month, remain out of reach for many in lower-income regions.

Bill Gates emphasized the foundation's commitment to bridging this healthcare disparity. PAHO's Dr. Jarbas Barbosa echoed the sentiment, highlighting ongoing efforts to negotiate affordable distribution. The World Health Organization is expected to endorse the broader use of these therapies, signaling a potential shift in global health priorities.