Riyadh, 29 April 2024 (TDI): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday met the founder and co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Bill Gates, wherein he called for a sustained effort by all the partners to reach the ultimate goal of a polio-free Pakistan.
In the meeting held on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Special Meeting, the Prime Minister highlighted that Pakistan was working tirelessly to eradicate polio from the country, a Prime Minister Office press release mentioned.
Previously, both leaders had featured in a WEF high-level panel discussion titled “Redefining the Global Health Agenda.”
The Prime Minister thanked Bill Gates for sending him a warm congratulatory letter upon his re-election. Moreover, the Prime Minister reaffirmed his commitment to continue working closely with Gates, fondly recalling their interactions during his previous tenure.
This commitment aims to ensure a stronger partnership between Pakistan and the Gates Foundation.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met with Bill Gates, founder and co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Special Meeting in Riyadh. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their… pic.twitter.com/qCYvh0RkyA
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) April 29, 2024
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan was working tirelessly to eradicate polio from the country.
He thanked the BMGF for its longstanding support for polio eradication in Pakistan and said that a sustained effort was required by all partners to reach the ultimate goal of a polio-free Pakistan.
Bill Gates recalled the immunization and polio vaccine program in the Punjab under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as Chief Minister.
He emphasized the importance of replicating the same practice across the country to make the immunization program a success.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister and Bill Gates addressed the progress of ongoing activities in Pakistan’s collaboration with the Foundation. They specifically focused on immunization, nutrition, and financial inclusion.
Also read: Polio eradication in Pakistan through sustained government efforts
Strategic Partnership Invitation
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the Gates Foundation was a trusted partner in Pakistan’s socio-economic development.
He also expressed interest in collaborating with his Foundation in other areas including IT, STEM education, and disaster management.
Lastly, recalling Bill Gates’ visit to Pakistan in February 2022, the Prime Minister extended an invitation to him to visit Pakistan again at a time of his convenience.
