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Government Initiative – Gates Thanks Imran Khan Discussion on Polio Eradication

Government Initiative

Productive Discussion on Polio Eradication

Presently Bill Gates a Microsoft co-founder, called on Prime Minister Imran Khan during his first-ever visit to Pakistan and discussed matters related to polio eradication and other important problems. Bill Gates, who is visiting Pakistan on a day-long trip, held meetings with senior government officials, counting a one-on-one meeting with Prime Minister Imran Khan, according to a statement issued by the PM Office. The Microsoft co-founder attended a meeting of the National Task Force on Polio Eradication, where he noted that despite Covid-19 restrictions, Pakistan’s has performed “amazingly” in eradicating polio. He thanked Imran Khan for inviting him and extending warm hospitality on his first-ever visit. He appreciated the attempts of the leadership, health workers, and parents for working tirelessly to ensure that polio never paralyses a child again. During the meeting, PM of Pakistan Imran Khan thanked the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for its continued support and partnership with the government of Pakistan in polio eradication. Imran told Bill Gates that his government is totally committed and determined towards polio eradication. Imran asserted that Afghanistan, being the primary source of polio incidence in Pakistan’s two bordering provinces, requires urgent international support to avert a humanitarian crisis.

The Government of Pakistan is offering full support for the sake of 40 million Afghan people in need of basic amenities,” Imran informed the philanthropist. In the meeting, Imran Khan also directed deputy commissioners of the districts adjoining Afghanistan borders, mainly the southern districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, to remain vigilant and proactive against contamination of poliovirus. The task force paid tributes to the 36 frontline workers and 14 law enforcement personnel who lost their lives during polio vaccination to the children in Pakistan, the statement from the PM Office said. Furthermore, Bill Gates also visited the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) where he met Federal Minister for Planning Asad Umar and other senior health officials.

In a statement issued through the national Covid-19 body, Gates along with his delegation attended the morning session where they were apprised about NCOC’s role and methodology, achievements since the start of the pandemic, the present Covid-19 situation in Pakistan and various protocols placed through the government to control disease spread and ensure public safety and well being. A comprehensive review of Pakistan’s attempts against Covid-19 was presented to visiting delegation. Gates took a keen interest in various initiatives through NCOC, mainly smart lockdown and micro smart lockdown strategy enforcement initiatives and Pakistan’s vaccine administration regime which enabled the authorities to formulate and implement a comprehensive Covid-19 response. Speaking on the occasion, NCOC chief Asad Umar acknowledged the attempts of Gates and his foundation to support Covid-19 initiatives in the country. It is also important to note that Bill Gates appreciated Pakistan’s success against Covid-19 despite resource constraints and introducing excellent initiatives and measures for public health safety.

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Guided by the belief that every life has equal value, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation works to assist all people lead healthy, productive lives. In developing states, it focuses on enhancing people’s health and giving them the chance to lift themselves out of hunger and extreme poverty. In the United States, it seeks to ensure that all people—mainly those with the fewest resources—have access to the opportunities they need to succeed in school and life. Based in Seattle, Washington, the foundation is led by CEO Mark Suzman, under the direction of Co-chairs Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates and the board of trustees.

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