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“Nobody spends any money on smallpox unless they worry about a bio-terrorist recreating it.” quote by Bill Gates
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“Nobody spends any money on smallpox unless they worry about a bio-terrorist recreating it.”

Bill Gates

About This Quote

Source Speech: TED Talk, 2015, Gates Foundation

Investing in eradication of diseases like smallpox is justified only when there is a perceived threat of bioterrorism.

In simple terms: Funds go to smallpox only if bioterror risk exists.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize security‑driven health funding.

Themes

public health security risk assessment

Mood

cautious analytical

Type

policy strategic

When to use this quote

  • government budgeting
  • pandemic preparedness
  • research funding
  • vaccination programs

Key Concepts

bioterrorism preventive investment global health policy

Questions to Reflect On

  • Is it better to fund prevention for unlikely threats?
  • How can we balance immediate health needs with future security?
A Different Perspective

If the threat never materializes, resources may be misallocated.

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