Ideas worth spreading

How we must respond to the coronavirus pandemic

8,698,723 views | Bill Gates • TED Connects

Philanthropist and Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates offers insights into the COVID-19 pandemic, discussing why testing and self-isolation are essential, which medical advancements show promise and what it will take for the world to endure this crisis. (This virtual conversation is part of the TED Connects series, hosted by head of TED Chris Anderson and current affairs curator Whitney Pennington Rodgers. Recorded March 24, 2020)

Philanthropist and Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates offers insights into the COVID-19 pandemic, discussing why testing and self-isolation are essential, which medical advancements show promise and what it will take for the world to endure this crisis. (This virtual conversation is part of the TED Connects series, hosted by head of TED Chris Anderson and current affairs curator Whitney Pennington Rodgers. Recorded March 24, 2020)

Learn more about the coronavirus outbreak from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Visit the World Health Organization for up-to-date information and guidance on the coronavirus outbreak.

About the speakers

Bill Gates

Technologist, philanthropist

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Bill Gates warned that we weren’t ready for a global pandemic in a talk at TED2015. Now he’s working to make sure the world is better prepared next time around.

Chris Anderson

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After a long career in journalism and publishing, Chris Anderson became the curator of the TED Conference in 2002 and has developed it as a platform for identifying and disseminating ideas worth spreading.

Whitney Pennington Rodgers

Whitney Pennington Rodgers

TED current affairs curator

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Whitney Pennington Rodgers is an award-winning journalist and media professional.

Learn more

Learn more about the coronavirus outbreak from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Visit the World Health Organization for up-to-date information and guidance on the coronavirus outbreak.