Gates’ new message on Instagram

Dar es Salaam. Philanthropist Bill Gates on Friday made his first presence on global photo-sharing platform Instagram with a greeting “hello from Tanzania.”

Gates, the world’s richest person worth an estimated $89.5 billion, according to Forbes, attracted over 40,000 followers in less than a day through his account: “thisisbilligates.” His debut on Instagram was received with applause. “I’m happy to see you @thisisbillgates, you inspire me,’’ wrote on follower, paulmlaki. Then, a warm hospitality to Gates from catherine.eucharistia24, read “Welcome to instagram.”

Mr Gates was in Tanzania to inspect Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation activities on improving people’s health and helping to individuals lift themselves out of hunger and extreme poverty. The foundation has set aside Sh780 billion in current active grants to Tanzania in agriculture, health and information communications technology.

In his first post of a slideshow of three photos from Tanzania, he wrote: “I just had a great lunch with some amazing kids at Kicheba Primary School in Muheza and met Upendo Mwingira, a remarkable physician who has dedicated her career to fighting neglected tropical diseases. “Melinda and I have been coming to Tanzania for many years now. I always love seeing how much progress the country has made to improve health and provide opportunity. Plus, the scenery is stunning.

“Whenever I travel to places like this, I wish others could come along and meet the people I get to meet. I have no doubt it would leave them as optimistic as I am about progress happening around the world.”