PM Imran, Bill Gates discuss COVID-19 response, polio campaign

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan spoke with philanthropist Bill Gates to discuss the latest situation on COVID-19 response and resumption of polio vaccination campaign in Pakistan.

During the conversation, the prime minister apprised Bill Gates about the improved COVID-19 situation in Pakistan with considerable reduction in new cases and fatality rate.

The prime minister shared that the ‘smart lockdown’ policy of the government has proven to be very effective. “The timely and prudent interventions enabled the government to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 on health and economy had successfully averted a larger catastrophe,” he said.

PM Imran Khan acknowledged the Gates Foundation’s continued support to Pakistan and noted that the repurposing of polio infrastructure played an important role in COVID-19 response.

READ MORE: Bill Gates hails declining number of coronavirus cases in Pakistan

The prime minister reaffirmed polio eradication as a key priority of the government. They were both encouraged to see that polio vaccination campaigns have been able to restart with appropriate safety precautions.

They agreed to enhance the program to ensure vaccination for all children, including in the remote areas. They discussed how using existing structures that are supporting COVID-19, such as the National Command Operation Center, could help support Polio eradication efforts.

The prime minister expressed his confidence in Pakistan’s ability to apply lessons from its COVID-19 response to eradicate polio.

Bill Gates acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts to combat the pandemic while protecting the lives and livelihoods of vulnerable populations. Both agreed to continue their cooperation on shared priorities.