Coronavirus crisis: Scott Morrision talks COVID-19, vaccines, the Indo-Pacific and World Health Organisation with Microsoft founder Bill Gates

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has spent time discussing the COVID-19 crisis with billionaire Bill Gates. Mr Morrison this morning had a phone hook up with the Microsoft founder and health philanthropist. They discussed vaccines, the Indo-Pacific and the World Health Organisation. Mr Gates, 64, has been warning of the risk of a major global pandemic for a decade and the lack of preparation by many nations. He has funded numerous health causes through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Mr Gates last week slammed Donald Trump’s decision to halt funding for the World Health Organisation. “Halting funding for the World Health Organization during a world health crisis is as dangerous as it sounds,” he tweeted. “Their work is slowing the spread of COVID-19 and if that work is stopped no other organization can replace them. The world needs WHO now more than ever.” Mr Gates also said this week during the One World: Together at Home concert that he was confident a vaccine for COVID-19 would be ready by the end of the year. “There are a lot of vaccine candidates now that we are backing, and I’m optimistic by late next year one of those will come out, and we need to make sure that it gets out to everyone in the world,” Mr Gates said. Mr Morrison has regularly engaged with world leaders and international forums throughout the coronavirus crisis. Tonight he will also speak with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Last week Mr Morrison spoke directly with the Prime Ministers of Malaysia, PNG and New Zealand. Along with discussions about coronavirus Mr Morrison may also discuss reform on tech giants with President Macron who has also attempted to make Google pay for news content. This week the Federal Government announced tech giants like Google and Facebook would have to adhere to a mandatory code of conduct with news organisations that would involve appropriate compensation after talks on a voluntary code stalled.