ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday reiterated that the Pakistan government along with all the provincial governments resolved to eliminate the menace of Polio virus forever and said that they were fully committed to control its spread through collective efforts.
Addressing a meeting of the National Task Force on Polio Eradication, PM Shehbaz said that the polio eradication campaign in Pakistan was progressing positively and they were close to eliminate virus but unfortunately, things turned negative as the Polio virus returned back in some parts of the country, still it did not show that they had failed in their efforts.
Chairman Gates Foundation Bill Gates, ministers, senior officials and relevant authorities attended the meeting. During the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif acknowledged the challenges faced in the fight against polio despite significant progress made in recent years.
“We are fully committed to eliminating the menace of polio forever. While setbacks have occurred with the resurgence of the virus in certain areas, we remain steadfast in our efforts,” Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif affirmed.
He highlighted the successful execution of two nationwide polio eradication campaigns in the past six months, along with targeted efforts in high-risk areas affected by the virus.
“We must act swiftly and decisively to produce tangible results in the coming days and months,” Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stressed, emphasizing the collective determination of federal and provincial governments to control the spread of polio.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed gratitude to Bill Gates and the Gates Foundation for their longstanding support and contributions to Pakistan’s health sector, particularly in polio eradication, malnutrition, and mother and child healthcare.
“Pakistan values the Foundation’s partnership, which has been instrumental in advancing our health goals through substantial financial support and collaboration,” Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif noted.
He highlighted significant investments in the polio eradication program, with funding reaching $297 million in 2024.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also discussed broader areas of cooperation with the Gates Foundation, including the digitization of education and healthcare sectors, aiming to harness digital technologies for economic growth and social development.
“We seek Bill Gates’ advice and support in further enhancing our education and healthcare systems through digitalization, which holds immense potential for Pakistan’s future,” Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif affirmed.
In his remarks, Bill Gates reaffirmed the Foundation’s dedication to supporting Pakistan’s efforts in polio eradication and improving healthcare outcomes. He emphasized the importance of sustained progress over the next few years to achieve the complete eradication of polio from the country.
“We must maintain the positive momentum and address all areas comprehensively to achieve our shared goal of a polio-free Pakistan,” Bill Gates asserted.
He pledged continued support in addressing health challenges, including malnutrition and maternal and child healthcare, underscoring the Foundation’s commitment to partnering with Pakistan in achieving health equity and resilience.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif concluded the meeting by extending an invitation to Bill Gates and his team to visit Pakistan, expressing gratitude on behalf of the government and people for their ongoing support and collaboration in advancing national health objectives.
