Bill Gates acknowledges Pakistan’s efforts amid COVID-19 pandemic

RAWALPINDI: Philanthropist Bill Gates had acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts in managing the COVID-19 pandemic despite the current rise in cases.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations, Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa had a telephonic conversation with Bill Gates and spoke about Pakistan’s COVID-19 response and resumption of polio vaccination campaigns.

Bill Gates conveyed his appreciation for the Pakistan Army for supporting the national polio drive and ensuring proper reach and coverage of polio campaigns this year through involvement of community leaders.

General Bajwa said that it was a national cause and national effort. “We will call it a success when no child is affected in Pakistan,” he was quoted as saying the military’s press wing. He said that the credit goes to the grassroots workers, law enforcement agencies and health representatives.

They also pledged to continue working together to make further progress in ending polio in Pakistan and improving the health of all children. Bill Gates acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts to safely conduct polio campaigns and essential immunizations amid the pandemic.

Both also discussed the safe start and efforts needed to effectively conduct polio campaigns in COVID-19 environment.