Special efforts required to reach goal of a polio-free Pakistan

Pakistan is making constant efforts to eradicate polio from the country and a sustained effort is required by all international partners to reach the goal of a polio-free Pakistan.

This was stated by the Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif while talking to the founder and co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Bill Gates, on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum’s special meeting in Riyadh today (Monday, April 29). He thanked the Foundation for its longstanding support for the goal of a polio-free Pakistan and said the country will continue its stronger partnership with the Foundation in this regard.            

Also read: Pakistan’s first Air Ambulance Service training session start in Lahore

The Prime Minister further stated that the Gates Foundation is a trusted partner in Pakistan’s socio-economic development and we seek further collaboration in other areas including IT, science education, and disaster management.                     

During the meeting, Bill Gates recalled the immunization and polio vaccine program in Punjab under the leadership of Shehbaz Sharif as Chief Minister and emphasized replicating the same practice across the country to make the immunization program a success. He acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts and said polio eradication is vital to protect future generations from this crippling disease.           

Bill Gates and the Prime Minister also spoke on the development of continuing initiatives between Pakistan and the Foundation about financial inclusion, nutrition, and vaccines. Bill Gates was also invited to visit Pakistan by the Prime Minister.