PM Shehbaz Sharif Meets Gates Foundation Delegation, Reaffirms Commitment to Polio Eradication
Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met a delegation of the Gates Foundation led by its President for Global Development, Chris Elias, to review Pakistan’s polio eradication efforts and discuss avenues of continued cooperation.
During the meeting, the prime minister said Pakistan would continue its efforts in partnership with trusted allies such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation until the complete eradication of polio. He added that Bill Gates’ services for eliminating polio from Pakistan would always be remembered and expressed gratitude for the support of Muslim brotherly countries, particularly Saudi Arabia, in this regard.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that the government is implementing practical measures through a comprehensive strategy and an effective team, and remains fully committed to the complete eradication of polio. Despite notable progress, he emphasized that further urgent steps are essential to win the fight against the disease.
He said the federal government is working in close coordination with the provinces to ensure nationwide access for polio teams, and that polio eradication initiatives will continue under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP). The prime minister also directed the Ministry of National Health Services to formulate recommendations in collaboration with all relevant institutions for polio eradication, public awareness, and vaccine availability.
Speaking on the occasion, Gates Foundation President for Global Development Chris Elias appreciated the prime minister’s personal focus and effective actions against polio, noting that Pakistan is moving in the right direction toward complete eradication. He assured that constructive engagement with federal and provincial governments and relevant institutions would continue.
Chris Elias also commended Pakistan’s efforts to eliminate the environmental presence of the polio virus and to ensure the reach of polio teams in all areas of the country.
