Islamabad, 21 January 2022 (TDI): Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan and Bill Gates, Co-Chairman of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, had a conversation with each other over the telephone.
The discussion took place on Thursday 20 January 2022. The topic of the conversation was mutual interests. Polio Eradication in Pakistan and the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic were also discussed.
Prime Minister @ImranKhanPTI had a telephonic conversation with Mr. @BillGates, Co-Chairman of Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, today and discussed matters of shared concern including Polio Eradication in Pakistan and the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. pic.twitter.com/4hH7Oc5G8G
— Prime Minister’s Office, Pakistan (@PakPMO) January 20, 2022
Prime Minister commended the Services of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
Imran Khan lauded the work and services of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Prime Minister was appreciative of the philanthropic nature of work done by the foundation.
The role played by the entity in fighting diseases, inequality, and inequity across the globe was also appreciated. In particular, the provision of services in Pakistan was greatly admired.
Polio Eradication in Pakistan
Prime Minister underscored that the eradication of Polio from Pakistan remains a top priority of his government. Work is being done to make the anti-polio campaign more effective.
He mentioned while talking about the progress regarding the anti-Polio campaign, that the country witnessed a sharp reduction in cases in the year 2021. Only one Polio case was recorded in the entire year. This progress was made despite the challenging circumstances due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Covid-19 Vaccine Distribution
While expressing appreciation for the advocacy campaign done by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation related to equitable access to Covid-19 vaccines, Prime Minister stressed how significant the measure is especially for the low-income countries.
He highlighted that timely provision of vaccines is essential to help the developing countries in fighting the adverse effects of the pandemic.
Bill Gates agrees on Continuing to Provide Assistance to Pakistan
Co-Chairman of the Foundation, Bill Gates, lauded Pakistan’s efforts on Polio Eradication. He mentioned that the country’s Covid-19 vaccination campaign has been successful. Lastly, he mentioned that the Foundation will continue with its philanthropic mission across the globe, generally and in Pakistan particularly.
