Bill Gates warns 'next time' world suffers pandemic it could be 'worse than coronavirus'

dailystar.co.uk:

Bill Gates has warned of future pandemics that could be much worse than coronavirus.The Microsoft founder and business magnate spoke of his worries as the Bill & Melania Gates Foundation donated $150 million (£110m) to the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovation (CEPI).

CEPI are set to use the donations in the fight against coronavirus as well as in preparation for potential pandemics in the future, it was announced on Tuesday.Speaking about the work done by CEPI, Gates said in a statement: "As the world responds to the challenge of a rapidly evolving virus, the need to deliver new, lifesaving tools has never been more urgent."CEO of CEPI, Dr Richard Hatchet, said: "These generous pledges will dramatically advance CEPI's plan to reduce epidemic and pandemic risk in the future by developing vaccines against emerging infectious diseases while ensuring equitable access for all."CEPI are now looking into ensuring the time taken to produce vaccines is within a 100 day window.Gates added: "Our work over the past 20 years has taught us that early investment in research and development can save lives and prevent worst-case scenarios."For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.The Bill & Melania Gates Foundation has pledged the $150 million to "help CEPI accelerate the development of safe and effective vaccines against emerging variants of the coronavirus and to prepare for, and possibly even prevent, the next pandemic".