COAS Bajwa discusses polio eradication drive with Bill Gates

RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa held a telephone conversation with renowned philanthropist Bill Gates.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations, the call with the Chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) was held in the backdrop of the polio eradication drive in the country.

Bill Gates appreciated Pakistan Army’s help in enabling the campaign through the provision of security, monitoring and bridging of capacity gaps.

COAS Bajwa said that it was a national duty and the army played a part in the significant initiatives undertaken by the government of Pakistan and health care departments of provinces.

The healthcare workers who played the most important part in polio drive also acted as the frontline defence against COVID-19, the army chief was quoted as saying.

COAS Bajwa said that despite COVID-19, Pakistan Army in support of the government’s efforts has already made preparations to restart the anti-polio campaign in the coming weeks.

They discussed the challenges in the face of current and future pandemic threats and efforts to enhance the resilience of population through education, flexible healthcare management and use of technology.

The army chief thanked Bill Gates for his foundation’s efforts towards the noble cause and said that every initiative aimed at the betterment of Pakistan and its people will be fully supported and appreciated.