Gates to spend billions more on aid for Africa

Bill Gates, on a visit to Kenya, has announced his foundation will spend US$7 billion (NZ$11.4 billion) to improve health, gender equality and farming in Africa. The new pledge will be spent over the next four years and is in addition to existing Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation funding to strengthen health systems across the continent. ‘‘Africa’s young people have the talent and opportunity to accelerate progress and help solve the world’s most pressing problems,’’ Gates said. The new funding comes as countries in East Africa and the Horn of Africa face the worst drought in decades. On his visit to Kenya, Gates has been visiting primary healthcare centres, leading medical and agricultural research institutes.