Bill Gates writes to Shehbaz

ISLAMABAD: A philanthropist and software giant, Bill Gates, while congratulating the Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on election victory and formation of a new government, has reiterated the Bill and Malinda Gates Foundation’s commitment to the government and people of Pakistan and desire to build on collaboration with the government in the health sector.

In a letter addressed to the prime minister, Bill Gates also wished Shehbaz Sharif every success in work to foster growth and prosperity for Pakistan. He recalled that the foundation has long supported Pakistan’s goal to eradicate polio, saying that was grateful for Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership on the same issue.

At the same time Bill Gates pointed that they have lost of the important ground in the past few months and it will take a renewed push to address significant challenges, especially the security that prevented all children from being vaccinated. Expressing the hope that Pakistan would be polio free by the end of year 2024, he said that he be grateful if they both speak on issue on phone.

Moreover, he said that the foundation also supports government priorities in primary health care, nutrition and financial access. “This includes our collaboration with the Benazir Income Support Programme, RAAST Instant payments system and the Nashonuma health and nutrition programme impacting families in 157 districts.”

“Through Nashonuma health we are helping to support 770,000 women and babies to prevent malnutrition and stunting and hope to work with your government to expand its reach to 1.5 million people,” Bill Gates said, adding that his foundation’s support of RAAST has also seen a great success with more than 30 million people signing up since 2021.

He said that what he mentioned are impressive strides forward and hoped to continue to build on collaboration to have greater impact across Pakistan. “Your leadership will be essential to ensure our partnership grows in the years ahead,” he said.