Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates expressed his elation at Pakistan’s efforts to end polio. Bill Gates, who is also the founder of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), thanked PM Imran Khan for Pakistan’s vigilant efforts.
The billionaire philanthropist made his first-ever visit to Pakistan on Thursday and met PM Imran Khan and President Dr. Arif Alvi, along with top government officials. Bill Gates attended a meeting of the National Task Force for Polio Eradication, with PM Khan in the chair.
PM Khan thanked the BMGF for its continued support and partnership with the government in polio eradication. Furthermore, PM Khan reiterated his government’s commitment to end polio.
“Polio eradication is a top priority for our government,” PM Khan said.
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Additionally, Bill Gates thanked PM Khan for inviting him and extending warm hospitality on his first-ever visit to Pakistan. He also acknowledged that despite Covid-19 restrictions, Pakistan performed amazingly and continued to administer the polio vaccine. Later, Bill Gates took to Twitter to appreciate Pakistan’s efforts.
“Thank you Imran Khan for the productive discussions on the steps being taken in Pakistan to eliminate polio. I’m encouraged by the country’s commitment to eradication and am optimistic that if everyone remains vigilant, we can end polio,” Bill Gates tweeted.
Thank you @ImranKhanPTI for the productive discussions on the steps being taken in Pakistan to eliminate polio. I’m encouraged by the country’s commitment to eradication and am optimistic that if everyone remains vigilant, we can #endpolio. pic.twitter.com/cMAw3ZfDxr
— Bill Gates (@BillGates) February 17, 2022
Moreover, President Dr. Arif Alvi conferred the Hilal-i-Pakistan — one of the country’s highest civil awards — on Mr. Gates in recognition of his philanthropic services for humanity, eradication of polio, and betterment of the people of Pakistan.
Pakistan’s drive to end polio
Afghanistan and Pakistan are the only two countries where the crippling disease of polio remains. Pakistan kicked off its polio eradication program in 1994. Due to a poor health system, weak campaigns, lack of awareness, and political instability, the country failed to eradicate polio completely. However, since then, Pakistan has come a long way.
Pakistan’s polio eradication program further picked up pace during the PTI government’s tenure. Currently, the country’s drive to end polio operates with the help of 260,000 polio vaccinators, which is the largest surveillance network in the world.
In fact, the international community often lauds Pakistan’s efforts. Last year, UNICEF Regional Director for South Asia, Mr. George Laryea-Adjei, and WHO Eastern Mediterranean Regional Director, Dr. Ahmed Al-Mandhari, concluded a visit to Pakistan to support the Polio program.
Read more: Bill Gates acknowledges Pakistan’s efforts vis-a-vis COVID-19, polio & climate change
Both Regional Directors said that they continue to remain impressed by the high level of government leadership and engagement at all levels. Important to note, Pakistan only detected one child paralyzed by polio in 2021. This is a remarkable achievement as compared to the 306 children with paralytic polio reported in 2014.