Source: Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

By almost any measure, the world is better than it has ever been. People are living longer, healthier lives. Many nations that were aid recipients are now self-sufficient. 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. The belief that the world can’t solve extreme poverty and disease isn’t just mistaken. It is harmful. That’s why in this year’s letter we take apart some of the myths that slow down the work. The next time you hear these myths, we hope you will do the same.
– Bill Gates

Myth One
POOR COUNTRIES ARE DOOMED TO STAY POOR
by Bill Gates

Myth Two
FOREIGN AID IS A BIG WASTE
by Bill Gates

Myth Three
Saving lives leads to overpopulation
by Melinda Gates

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A growing number of countries in Africa are building community health systems, which are extremely cost-effective (Accra, Ghana, 2013).