NEW YORK: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with Bill Gates, founder and co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), on the sidelines of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 2024).
The meeting focused on ongoing health initiatives in Pakistan, particularly efforts to eradicate polio and improve maternal and child health.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Sharif expressed his gratitude for Gates’ recent visit to Pakistan in June and for the invitation to visit the Gates Foundation in Seattle in December 2024.
He commended the foundation’s extensive support for various health initiatives in Pakistan, including polio eradication, immunization, nutrition, and financial inclusion.
The Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to eradicating polio, thanking BMGF for its longstanding collaboration in this crucial effort. He emphasized the need for continued support to strengthen health systems and enhance maternal and child nutrition.
Gates acknowledged Pakistan’s dedication to polio eradication, stating that protecting future generations from this disease is essential. He praised the Prime Minister’s proactive engagement and the involvement of provincial governments in the national polio vaccination program.
Gates also provided updates on a comprehensive Health Dialogue with Afghanistan and sought support for this initiative. He expressed a particular interest in addressing areas with high rates of missed vaccinations and resistance to polio vaccines, especially in regions with significant child morbidity.
Furthermore, Gates discussed the support from King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre for polio and health relief initiatives. He highlighted BMGF’s work on improving nutrition for pregnant women, focusing on increasing the intake of essential micronutrients through collaboration with UNICEF.
Prime Minister Sharif commended the Gates Foundation for its polio campaign efforts in Gaza, acknowledging the challenging conditions faced by children in the region. He called for an immediate ceasefire and resolution of the conflict in accordance with UN resolutions.
The Prime Minister expressed appreciation for BMGF’s role as a trusted partner in Pakistan’s socio-economic development and showed keen interest in expanding collaborations in sectors such as information technology, STEM education, agriculture, and livestock.
