Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif had a telephone conversation with the Co-Chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) Bill Gates.
They discussed the ongoing public health and social sector programs supported by BMGF in Pakistan.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the BMGF’s major contribution to Pakistan’s efforts to eradicate polio and advance immunization, nutrition, and financial inclusion.
He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s desire to further strengthen the fruitful partnership with the Foundation in all the ongoing areas of cooperation.
The Prime Minister emphasized that his government was still dedicated to eliminating all types of polio in the country. He stated that there has been a gap in polio infections since September of this year while expressing concern over the reporting of new cases in 2022 after a year without any cases.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed that the Government is actively implementing the special emergency response plan and will continue to adapt and find ways to reach out to children in these trying times. The recent flooding has negatively impacted the ongoing polio vaccination efforts due to large-scale displacements and the destruction of healthcare infrastructure.
Bill Gates expressed his sincere sorrow for the deaths caused by the recent flooding in Pakistan. He also praised Pakistan for its efforts to end polio, and he reaffirmed his foundation’s continuous support for Pakistan in its efforts to make sure that no kid suffers from the risk of poliovirus-related paralysis.
The BMGF also highlighted a number of additional government-led initiatives to combat malnutrition and stunting, vital immunization services, the RAAST micropayment gateway, and the digitization of the National Savings Program.
The Prime Minister and Bill Gates agreed to continue working together on the shared objectives and in the areas of mutual cooperation.
