Bill Gates recounts how he discussed HIV with Trump over a stimulating dinner.

Billionaire Bill Gates discussed global health issues with US President-elect Donald Trump, the entrepreneur said in an interview with The Wall Street Journal.

"About two weeks ago, I had the opportunity to share a long and actually quite fascinating dinner with him," Gates said.

One of the questions was about developing a cure  for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the businessman explained: "During the COVID epidemic , it accelerated the introduction of innovative vaccines. So I asked if the same could be done here, and I think we're both thrilled."

Another topic was efforts to combat polio. Gates shared his impression that Trump is "energetic and eager to help advance innovation." The businessman admitted he was impressed by the future president's interest in the issues raised.

Bill Gates, with a net worth of $106.2 billion, is the 15th richest person in the world. He chairs the Gates Foundation, to which he has donated over $59 billion. The organization aims to improve global healthcare and reduce poverty, as well as expand educational opportunities and access to information technology in the United States.

During Trump's first term, Gates repeatedly criticized the president for his policies regarding the healthcare system and the fight against the coronavirus, for which he was attacked by the right.

In 2018, Gates revealed that Trump, at two separate meetings, was unable to distinguish between HIV and the human papillomavirus (HPV) without assistance. "Both times he wanted to know if there was a difference between HIV and HPV, and I was able to explain that they were rarely confused," the businessman said, to laughter from the audience. Gates also revealed that Trump wondered if vaccines were a bad thing, as he was considering creating a commission to study the negative effects of vaccines. "I told [Trump], 'No, that's a dead end. That would be bad. Don't do it,'" Gates added.

Trump's inauguration will take place on Monday, January 20.

Read pionerprodukt .by on Telegram .