In a significant move towards public health advancement, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that the Gates Foundation will collaborate with the Maharashtra government to make the state malaria-free. The announcement followed Fadnavis’ meeting with Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates at the Sahyadri guest house in Mumbai.
The Gates Foundation, known globally for its work in healthcare, poverty reduction, and education, will assist Maharashtra in not just eradicating malaria but also in adopting AI-driven innovations across health, agriculture, and infrastructure. Gates, currently visiting India, had earlier met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other key leaders in New Delhi.
Fadnavis shared on X that the discussion spanned Maharashtra’s welfare initiatives like Lakhpati Didi and Ladki Bahin Yojana, aimed at empowering women, youth, and farmers. The CM highlighted the state’s vision of widespread digitalization and revealed plans to set up a “Skill University” in collaboration with Microsoft, aimed at equipping youth with future-ready skills.
A special focus will be placed on training 10,000 women in Artificial Intelligence to ensure inclusive participation in the digital revolution. The discussion also covered dengue control measures and forming innovation city partnerships. Fadnavis reiterated that Maharashtra is determined to set an example in digital governance and citizen service delivery.
