ISLAMABAD: In a meeting during the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong dedication to eliminating polio entirely from the country. He highlighted the government’s resolve to intensify efforts and ensure the disease is eradicated once and for all.
Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed appreciation for the continued support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, emphasizing its role in advancing Pakistan’s initiatives in polio eradication, maternal and child health, nutrition, immunization, digital transformation, and financial inclusion.
During the discussions, the Prime Minister also briefed Bill Gates on recent agricultural reforms aimed at promoting innovation, biotechnology, climate resilience, and research to empower farmers. The two leaders discussed potential collaborations in developing improved seed varieties, livestock genetics, and innovative agricultural technologies to boost productivity.
Bill Gates praised Pakistan’s proactive approach under Prime Minister Shehbaz’s leadership, emphasizing that eradicating polio is crucial to safeguarding future generations from the debilitating disease. He commended the Prime Minister’s personal involvement and support for vaccination campaigns across all provinces.
Both leaders agreed to maintain and expand their partnership to promote sustainable development, technological progress, and enhanced social services for the Pakistani people. The engagement signals a shared commitment to addressing key health and development challenges through ongoing collaboration and innovation.
