I'm sure Melinda Gates has all good intentions in mind,from the eyes of American culture that is.  However,the embarrassing pomposity of tone in this article reflects the limited real "big picture" - or global if you will.  It is difficult to find evidence supporting her concept that family planning by way of contraception will  "contribute to a virtuous cycle of development in many African communities".  

In fact, the increase in "family planning" in the US has proven a corresponding increase in the incidence of STD's, premarital intercourse, unwed pregnancy, pre-marital cohabition and abortion all of which have been linked to  physical and psychological health problems.  Is this virtuous?  

In this, Africans have alot more going for them than all the misguided money and American know-how of Melinda and Bill Gates.  Perhaps the Gates' generosity would be better spent supporting family male/fatherhood roles. Through education and encouragement, African American models such as Dr. Ben Carson or Dr. Martin Luther King as well as many others can serve as real change in male role responsibility which can be found lacking in African society often due to economic, traditional, tribal or other cultural influence.