Islamabad, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to eradicating polio, stating that the nation is “working tirelessly” to achieve a polio-free status. This commitment was highlighted during his meeting with Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum’s special meeting in Riyadh.
According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, during their discussion, Prime Minister Sharif expressed gratitude for the Gates Foundation’s continued support in the fight against polio in Pakistan. He underscored the importance of sustained international collaboration to overcome the challenges of polio eradication.
The conversation also touched on broadening the scope of their partnership, with potential expansions into IT, science education, and disaster management, reflecting a deepening of ties between the Gates Foundation and Pakistan beyond health initiatives.
Bill Gates commended the efforts made during Sharif’s tenure as Chief Minister of Punjab, particularly the successful implementation of immunization and polio vaccine programs, and advocated for extending these practices nationwide to ensure the success of the immunization program across Pakistan.
The meeting also covered progress in ongoing joint initiatives in areas such as nutrition and financial inclusion, illustrating the multifaceted nature of the cooperation between Pakistan and the Gates Foundation.
Prime Minister Sharif concluded their discussion by extending an invitation to Bill Gates to visit Pakistan, signaling an ongoing commitment to their partnership and the global fight against polio.