Gates Foundation

India's innovations are reshaping not just the country, but the world.

You might not think of a solar-powered refrigerator as a life-saving innovation. Think again. Malawi health clinics, 40% of which are not on the electrical grid, have historically relied on gas or battery-powered refrigerators to keep vaccines cool. But as fuel became increasingly difficult to obtain or batteries failed, refrigerators would stop working, and live-saving doses would spoil before health care workers could distribute them. Enter: Solar Direct Drive (SDD) fridges—also known as solar-powered refrigerators. SDD fridges connect directly to solar panels installed on clinic rooftops, so they are battery-free and powered by the sun. And now, many SDD fridges in Malawi health clinics are generating enough power not just to keep vaccines at the right temperature; they’re powering clinic lighting, fetal heartbeat monitors, and other medical equipment without connection to the electrical grid! Read more about how the Malawi community rallied behind these refrigerators to ensure that clinics in need were able to reap the benefits of this innovation: https://gates.ly/4hz0I26

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Most lifesaving vaccines are delivered with a needle and syringe. And in lower-resource settings, these were often reused which risked the spread of blood-borne diseases such as HIV and hepatitis B.  Today, auto-disable syringes are a mainstay of vaccination programs in these countries, preventing needle reuse and saving lives in the process. Other ‘vaccine delivery’ innovations are under development, which means we could have even more tools to ensure people get the vaccines they need. Hear from public health physician Dr. Mercy Ahun about these groundbreaking innovations.

Dr. Hassan Sibomana’s job is to ensure that every child in Rwanda is protected from vaccine-preventable disease, even in hard-to-reach areas. Drone technology is a part of that mission. With a drone delivery system, vaccine shipments that used to be an hour-long journey by land now can take minutes by air, helping health workers reach all children with life-saving vaccines, no matter where they live. That’s one tiny giant step towards a healthier world. More: https://gates.ly/4iF0xDp

I’m proud of our 25 years of partnership in India. Over this time, India has seen rapid progress and economic growth—things we’re proud to have contributed to alongside our partners. Our anniversary reception was a welcome chance to reflect on this milestone and how India’s leadership in health, agriculture, and digital transformation has not only driven progress domestically but also shaped solutions for the world.    The foundation’s journey in India has been about collaboration—working alongside partners who share a vision for scalable, sustainable impact. As we look ahead, India’s innovation ecosystem will continue to play a pivotal role in addressing global challenges, showcasing how transformative and sustainable change can uplift people around the world.    Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey. Here’s to our next chapter. 

India's progress over the past few decades is proof of what’s possible when innovation and collaboration come together to tackle big challenges. As we mark the Gates Foundation's 25th anniversary, I joined our incredible partners in India to reflect on some of the country’s remarkable achievements: expanded healthcare access, stronger agricultural systems, greater financial inclusion, improved sanitation, and increased opportunities for women. Today, programs to address malnutrition, eliminate disease, and expand digital financial services are helping build an even healthier, more equitable future. The whole world has so much to learn from India’s success—and by sharing these lessons globally, I’m confident we can help more people everywhere thrive.

Reliable access to immunization gives people their best chance to live free from vaccine-preventable disease, and brings us closer to a healthier, safer future for all. In Rwanda, a national drone delivery service is making this a reality for everyone–including people in remote communities. Discover how the power of science and innovation is improving access to life-saving vaccines for those who need them most. ⤵️

This is the story of an innovation that enables life-saving vaccine deliveries to those who need them most. In Rwanda, where 82% of the population lives in rural areas, some communities are many miles away from where vaccines are stored. But with a national drone delivery service, health care workers can order—and receive—life-saving vaccines in minutes. This feat was made possible thanks to the leadership of Rwanda’s Ministry of Health, Gavi, and other partners. Watch how these tiny, gravity-defying steps are reshaping global health.