In a significant meeting held in Islamabad, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to eradicating polio entirely from the country. Joined by philanthropist Bill Gates and officials from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), the discussions underscored ongoing efforts and strategic collaborations towards achieving this critical health goal.
This meeting marks Bill Gates’ second visit to Pakistan, underscoring the importance of sustained international support in combating polio. Previously, Gates had met with then-Prime Minister Imran Khan in 2022, emphasizing the Foundation’s dedication to Pakistan’s health initiatives.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed gratitude for the BMGF’s unwavering support in the polio eradication campaign and emphasized the necessity for continued, coordinated efforts at both federal and provincial levels. He highlighted recent successful vaccination campaigns as part of joint initiatives aimed at immunizing every child in Pakistan.
Bill Gates affirmed his commitment to supporting Pakistan’s efforts in eradicating polio, outlining ongoing strategies and future plans for sustained collaboration over the coming years. Beyond polio eradication, the meeting also addressed broader cooperation areas such as digitalization to enhance economic benefits and overall development.
The collaborative efforts between Pakistan and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation signal a united front in the fight against polio, aiming for a polio-free future for the nation’s children.
