Islamabad (TDI): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday underscored the government’s commitment to completely eliminate polio from Pakistan through a comprehensive strategy and a dedicated, effective team.
The prime minister made these remarks while meeting Dr. Chris Elias, President for Global Development at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, who visited the PM House along with a delegation.
PM Shehbaz Sharif affirmed that Pakistan will continue its polio eradication efforts with support from trusted partners like the Gates Foundation. “The invaluable services of Bill Gates for polio eradication in Pakistan will always be remembered,” he said, adding that Pakistan is also grateful for the cooperation of Muslim countries, particularly Saudi Arabia.
Despite notable progress, the prime minister stressed that further urgent measures remain essential. He highlighted the federal government’s close coordination with provincial authorities to ensure full access for polio vaccination teams across the country. Relevant initiatives under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) will continue to support the campaign.
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The prime minister also instructed the federal health ministry to develop recommendations for public awareness and vaccine supply in coordination with all relevant institutions.
Dr. Chris Elias praised Pakistan’s ongoing anti-polio efforts, noting the practical and effective measures taken to eliminate environmental presence of the virus and ensure access for vaccination teams. “Pakistan is steadily moving toward complete polio eradication,” he said, expressing confidence in the campaign’s success and conveying best wishes from Bill Gates.
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The meeting was attended by Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal, Minister for Health Syed Mustafa Kamal, PM’s Focal Person for Polio Eradication Ayesha Raza Farooq, and other senior officials. During the meeting, officials briefed the delegation on PSDP-backed initiatives and ongoing polio eradication activities in provinces and cities.
PM Shehbaz Sharif also congratulated Dr. Kathy Neuzil, Gates Foundation Director for Polio, on her recent appointment and extended best wishes for her new role.
