William H. Gates Sr.

who believed in the vision for the William H. Gates Sr. Institute for Population and Reproductive Health, and invested to turn that vision into reality
Memorial Tree Planting

Legacy of William H. Gates Sr.

Bill Gates Sr. has many profound legacies, but the one that resonates most with us is the investment in the vision that created the William H. Gates Sr. Institute for Population and Reproductive Health at Johns Hopkins University’s Bloomberg School of Public Health.

“In hindsight, one can only marvel at the extraordinary vision of Bill Sr. in making these early investments. He saw the need to reinvigorate the field of family planning and bring it to the forefront once again after being left off the global agenda for 15 years. He understood that making family planning exciting would attract the best and the brightest to it and to the broader public health field. He saw the need for long-term investments, not just the transactional quick-fix kind so common today.

His dedication to fighting global inequity and uplifting the voices of others inspired our mission, and enables the Institute to train the leaders of today and tomorrow, engage in groundbreaking research, lead innovative programs, and make “positive disruptions” to increase family planning access and improve reproductive health for women and men, communities and countries across the world.”

– Jose “Oying” Rimon II, Director, William H. Gates Sr. Institute for Population and Reproductive Health

Remembering William H. Gates Sr.

A philanthropist, lawyer, and humanitarian, Mr. Gates had a profound influence in championing causes related to global equity and campaigns to address vaccine preventable diseases, reduce infant mortality, promote reproductive health, and build schools. A visionary leader, he invested in the founding of the William H. Gates Sr. Institute for Population and Reproductive Health at Johns Hopkins University.

His legacy contributes to scientific discovery, advocacy for global health initiatives, and training the next generation of leaders who will advance the many initiatives that benefited from his passion and commitment.

As noted by Cynthia Minkovitz, William H. Gates Sr. Professor and Chair, “many of our PFRH collaborators from around the globe, faculty, staff, and students over the years benefited from his visionary spirit, wisdom, and generosity. May many in the generations to come continue his legacy of ‘being a force for good and advancing social change.'”

Read more at JHSPH.edu and explore stories shared by the SRHR and FP community below.