NEW YORK: On the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a significant meeting with Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, to discuss ongoing and future areas of cooperation between Pakistan and the Foundation.
The dialogue centered on public health initiatives particularly polio eradication alongside nutritional improvement and recovery efforts in Pakistan.
Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed deep appreciation for the Gates Foundation’s unwavering support in Pakistan’s battle against polio. He acknowledged the Foundation’s instrumental role in helping reduce polio cases and urged continued collaboration to ensure complete eradication of the disease, which remains a pressing public health concern.
He also thanked the Foundation for its investments in improving nutritional outcomes across Pakistan, especially for children and vulnerable communities.
Highlighting the devastation caused by the 2022 floods, PM Shehbaz praised the Foundation’s swift and effective response during that crisis. He described the aid provided as essential in stabilizing hard-hit regions and helping affected populations recover.
He further noted the Foundation’s continued engagement during more recent flood events, calling its relief efforts both timely and impactful.
The Prime Minister extended his gratitude for the Gates Foundation’s broader contributions beyond healthcare. He specifically mentioned the Foundation’s involvement in supporting Pakistan’s economic reform initiatives and efforts toward digital transformation key pillars of the country’s development agenda.
These efforts, he said, are playing an increasingly vital role in improving governance and access to essential services for the Pakistani population.
The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to expand cooperation in the coming years. Both PM Shehbaz and Bill Gates reaffirmed their dedication to working together on shared goals, including strengthening Pakistan’s healthcare infrastructure, enhancing humanitarian response capabilities, and advancing sustainable development projects.
