Bill Gates applauds Pakistan’s progress in polio eradication

Islamabad: The Co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Bill Thursday lauded Pakistan’s progress in the polio eradication initiative, and while expressing the Foundation’s continued commitment to the effort, also offered support in the area of innovations in health and strengthening mother and child care and reproductive health.

The commitment was voiced during a meeting between Bill Gates and Pakistan’s Minister for Health Saira Afzal in Abu Dhabi. Dr. Hassan from the Bill and Melina Gates Foundation and Dr. Assad Hafeez from the Ministry of Health were nominated to carry forward the task.

The meeting, which was convened to discuss health partnerships with the Foundation, featured brainstorming on a wide range of areas in health sector including Pakistan’s progress in polio eradication.

Bill Gates lauded Pakistan’s progress in polio eradication. Saira informed him that Pakistan is monitoring heightened vigilance with the aim of simultaneously raising performance across current hotspots where the virus is still circulating.

She said, the commitment of provincial governments has given a strong start to the low season with quality national and sub-national campaigns in September and October, respectively. She emphasized that polio eradication in Pakistan enjoys broad-based political support and is seen as a national imperative.