Following an overwhelming response to its most recent Grand Challenges request for proposals, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation today announced a group of nearly 50 grant recipients who are developing global health and development solutions for their communities using AI-enabled large language models (LLMs). Guided by the goal of reducing global inequity, the call for proposals specifically targeted researchers and innovators in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
Responsible and safe use of AI-driven LLM technology has the potential to help solve some of the world’s toughest health and development challenges. However, for these models to be useful in LMICs, researchers in LMICs need to participate in the design, application, and testing of this technology as it rapidly evolves. A robust evidence base will fill gaps in access and our knowledge about the application of such tools to address problems across LMICs in an equitable way.

The Africa Mercy, one of the hospital ships of Mercy Ships has docked in Durban to undergo extensive repairs and maintenance to prolong its service life. Over the next seven months, as part of the refit project, the Africa Mercy will undergo a wide range of repairs and upgrades that will significantly improve the ship’s capabilities and elevate the quality of her services. A key highlight of Africa Mercy’s refurbishment process is the information technology (IT) upgrade, which will notably enhance the ship’s functionality and performance within her operating theatres.
This advanced IT platform will enable seamless communication and coordination between the Africa Mercy and Mercy Ship’s latest hospital ship, the Global Mercy™. Moreover, it will support the provision of essential training for local doctors, fostering the development of in-country healthcare professionals. These improvements will enable faster and more efficient information exchange, ultimately optimizing the delivery of vital services.

The UK will support the second phase of the African Union Monitoring Verification and Compliance Mechanism (AU MVCM), which monitors progress in the implementation of the AU-led peace agreement and, with UNOHCHR, the deployment of independent international and national human rights monitors in Northern Ethiopia and Oromia.
The funds will support important work by these organisations investigating and documenting the human rights violations and abuses committed by all sides during the northern conflict in Ethiopia, in line with the Pretoria Peace Agreement.
UK-funding will also contribute to work to increase the capacity of civil society organisations to document and report violations, and improve early warning capability.
The UK’s Special Envoy for the Red Sea and Horn of Africa, Sarah Montgomery, and Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the AU, Darren Welch, announced the funding during a visit to Tigray, where they were able to meet the AUMVCM team and hear about the work they are doing.