Prime Minister Imran Khan invited Bill Gates to attend the National Task Force for Polio Eradication meeting.
Furthermore, PM Imran Khan thanked the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for supporting and partnering with the Govt. of Pakistan for Polio eradication.
The trip is Bill Gates’s first-ever trip to Pakistan, and he thanks Pakistan’s PM for the warm hospitality.
Polio eradication despite Covid-19
Mr. Gates displayed his appreciation for the efforts of health workers, parents, and leadership to make sure no child is paralyzed with polio again.
PM Imran Khan emphasizes that the government is committed to eradicating polio.
Furthermore, Bill Gates praised Pakistan for continuing with polio vaccinations and for outstanding performance.
During the polio vaccination for children across the country, 36 frontline workers and 14 law enforcement personnel’s lost their lives.
The National Task Force on Polio Eradication pays tribute to the frontline workers and law enforcement personnel.
Pakistan’s effort to eradicate polio
Despite the Task Force briefing Pakistan on completing one year of zero polio incidence, southern districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan province showed traces of the virus.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister warned Deputy Commissioners to remain vigilant and proactive to fight poliovirus contamination.
Pakistan supports nearly 40 million Afghan people with basic amenities. Afghanistan is the primary source of Polio incidence needs urgent international support to avoid a humanitarian crisis.
The Prime Minister hosted the lunch to honour Bill Gates, including Federal Ministers Fawad Ahmed, Asad Umer, Shaukat Tarin, Khusro Bakhtiar, Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Furthermore, Chief Ministers of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Gilgit Baltistan, Prime Minister AJ&K, and SAPM Dr. Faisal Sultan also attended the lunch.
Polio vaccination campaign
National-level polio vaccination campaigns launched in December 2021 and January 2022 were to integrate routine immunizations for children.
Law enforcement agencies coordinate with Federal and Provincial Governments to provide security in risk areas.
Furthermore, provincial governments assured that resources would be allocated for the polio campaign and aim towards making Pakistan polio-free.
Lastly,
Bill Gates much appreciates the efforts made by Pakistan’s government. They aim for a polio-free country and hope to help Afghanistan.
Also Read – Why Does Pakistan lag behind Bangladesh?