August / September 2025 Numerous media outlets have circulated claims that Bill Gates has invested “over $25 billion” in philanthropic projects across Africa covering health, agriculture, gender equality, nutrition, and sanitation, and that he expressed surprise at Africa’s resistance to the hormonal IUD, offering more investment if the measure is accepted. However, fact-checking reveals key parts of that report are inaccurate or unverified.

Here’s a breakdown of what is confirmed, what is uncertain or wrong, and what sources have said:

✅ What is Verified

1. $2.5 Billion Pledge to Women’s Health by 2030
   
   On 4 August 2025, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation officially committed US$2.5 billion over the period to 2030 toward women’s health innovations. This funding aims to address often neglected areas such as obstetric care, maternal immunization, menstrual and gynecological health, contraceptive innovation, sexually transmitted infections, and maternal nutrition. Reuters+2Gates Foundation+2

2. Focus on Contraceptive Innovation, Including Hormonal IUDs
   
   The women’s health innovations include work on contraceptive methods such as hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs) with long-acting potential (e.g. up to 8 years), and a contraceptive patch, among other options. These are designed to be more accessible and suitable for low- and middle-income settings. Business Insider Africa+2Reuters+2

🚫 What Is Not Supported (Misreports or False Claims)

1. No Evidence Gates Says He Has Invested More Than $25 Billion in Africa in Those Areas
   
   There is no credible source confirming Gates has publicly stated he has already invested over US$25 billion in those specific sectors (health, agriculture, gender equality, nutrition, sanitation) across Africa. The most recent clearly verified figure is the $2.5 billion for women’s health R&D. Reuters+2Business Insider Africa+2

2. No Confirmed Statement from Gates About “Surprise at Resistance” to Hormonal IUD
   
   The claim that Gates said he was surprised by resistance to hormonal IUDs in Africa is not substantiated in reliable reports. Fact‐checking organisations have looked into viral posts connecting such statements to Gates or national leaders, and many have been found to be false or unverified. For example, Namibia’s presidency declared a post purporting a rejection of hormonal IUD trials was fake. Reuters+2Africa Check+2

3. No Public Offer Explicitly Tied to Acceptance of the Measure
   
   The idea that Gates said he would invest more if the measure (i.e. adoption of hormonal IUDs or removal of “resistance”) is accepted is not found in credible sources.

🔍 Additional Context & Key Takeaways

• The $2.5B commitment is part of a broader move by the Gates Foundation to fill gaps in research, development, and equitable access to essential women’s health services and innovations. This includes exploring long-acting contraceptives and working to make them more accessible. Reuters+2Gates Foundation+2

• The hormonal IUD in question is being developed and offered with attention to cost, acceptability, safety, and regulatory requirements. It is not unique to Africa — such IUDs have been in use in other regions, but the innovation lies in adapting them for affordability, supply logistics, and cultural fit. Business Insider Africa+1

• Misinformation has circulated, especially claims that national leaders have rejected proposals or have made statements that suit a certain narrative. Fact checkers (Reuters, PesaCheck, AfricaCheck) have found many of these claims to be false or without source. Reuters+2Africa Check+2

What This Means Going Forward

• Public discourse should be cautious: it’s important to verify statements especially around sensitive issues like contraceptive access, health policy, and women’s empowerment.

• There is real investment from the Gates Foundation, but headlines exaggerating the scale (e.g. “$25 billion invested already”) are misleading.

• If more transparency emerges (in interviews, foundation reports, etc.) about Gates’ views on resistance to specific family planning methods, those should be carefully documented and fact-checked.

Source Credit:

Based primarily on reports from Reuters, Gates Foundation publications, Business Insider Africa, PesaCheck, and AfricaCheck (August-September 2025).