Islamabad/Washington, 30 July 2022 (TDI): Prime Minister, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif had a telephonic conversation with Bill Gates, Co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF).
The two deliberated on the ongoing social sector and public health programs supported by BMGF in Pakistan, including efforts to eradicate polio.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke on the telephone today with Mr. Bill Gates, Co-Chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) @PMO_PK @epwing_official
— Pakistan Embassy US (@PakinUSA) July 30, 2022
The Prime Minister recognized the BGMF’s significant contribution to Pakistan in efforts to eradicate polio. He also appreciated the attempts to advance the nation’s immunization, nutrition, and financial inclusion programs.
Moreover, in all current areas of cooperation, he also emphasized Pakistan’s desire to further strengthen its fruitful partnership with the foundation.
Additionally, the Prime Minister voiced great concern about the recent rise in the number of confirmed cases of Poliovirus in Pakistan in 2022. He reiterated that his government was dedicated to eliminating all forms of polio from the country.
He stated that his administration was actively implementing the special emergency response plan for south Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
In order to scale up and enhance the standard of the polio-eradication program, southern KPK needs to be dealt with as a priority, noting all confirmed cases of poliovirus this year belonged from there.
The Prime Minister also stated that his government would place a strong focus on ensuring the safety and security of all participants in the polio program, particularly the frontline staff.
Furthermore, he conveyed to Bill that his administration was committed to enhancing program operations at all levels. And empowering districts by giving them the freedom to make decisions based on the specific needs of the area.
Remarks of Bill Gates
On his part, Bill Gates acknowledged the issue and reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to Pakistan for ensuring that no child was at risk of paralysis due to poliovirus.
Lastly, Bill Gates and the Prime Minister of Pakistan also discussed the support provided by BGMF for numerous additional government-led initiatives.
These initiatives are tackling stunting and malnutrition, essential immunization services, the micropayment gateway RAAST, and the digitalization of the National Savings Program.
