[awhitby]

But Gates is not "every billionaire, politician, celebrity, and crackpot on the planet" on this issue. He stepped away from day to day involvement in Microsoft in 2008, and it seems that since then his major focus has been his foundation. Global health is one of the main focuses of that organization.

That's a bit different from some random celebrity weighing in.

It should also be clear to everyone now that pandemics are not solely an infectious diseases issue. Presumably Gates could bring a valuable perspective on science-adjacent issues like governance, financing and global cooperation.

You can absolutely disagree with his views on this topic (and maybe should), but it's unfair to write him off as some dilettante.

(edit: Also you should absolutely question how he came to have this level of wealth and influence in global health.)