PM Shehbaz Sharif, Bill Gates Reaffirm Commitment to Polio Eradication in Pakistan
New York, The Gulf Observer: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met Gates Foundation Chairman Bill Gates in New York on Wednesday and discussed Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to eradicate polio, as the prime minister is in the United States to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Prime Minister Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to completely eradicating polio and expressed appreciation for the Gates Foundation’s longstanding support for the country’s eradication efforts.
Bill Gates acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts to eliminate polio and emphasized the importance of eradication in protecting future generations. He also appreciated Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s guidance to provincial governments regarding the nationwide polio vaccination programme.
The meeting also covered the Gates Foundation’s recent engagement with Pakistan and its cooperation in areas including polio eradication, maternal and child health, nutrition, immunisation, digitalisation and financial inclusion.
Prime Minister Shehbaz welcomed the foundation’s role in Pakistan’s socio-economic development and expressed interest in expanding cooperation in public health, agriculture, digital innovation and artificial intelligence.
The prime minister also briefed Bill Gates on reforms in Pakistan’s agriculture sector, particularly initiatives relating to innovation, biotechnology, climate resilience, research and enhancing farmers’ capacity.
The two sides agreed to explore cooperation in developing improved seeds, livestock genetics and emerging agricultural technologies. Prime Minister Shehbaz also invited Bill Gates to visit Pakistan again in the near future.
The meeting highlighted the continued engagement between Pakistan and the Gates Foundation on public health and development priorities, with polio eradication remaining a key area of cooperation.
