MM News

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan held a telephonic conversation with renowned philanthropist Bill Gates discussed the next steps on COVID-19 response, polio eradication, and climate change.

The Prime Minister expressed appreciation for the work of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for fighting poverty, combating COVID-19 pandemic and inequalities around the world.

Recalling his recent letter addressed to Gates on climate change, the prime minister apprised him about Pakistan’s flagship initiatives, including the 10 Billion Tree Tsunami Initiative.

Gates acknowledged Pakistan’s commitment to address climate change and agreed that the world must come together to face this global challenge.

While highlighting that food systems are particularly vulnerable to climate change, he emphasised that the global leaders should prioritize investments in agricultural research for adaptation.

He also suggested Prime Minister Khan to leverage Pakistan’s unique voice to raise awareness for increasing global support for smallholder farmers.

While commending the Gates Foundation’s strong advocacy to promote equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines, the prime minister underscored the importance of equitable, timely, and scaled delivery of COVID-19 vaccines to low-income countries.

PM Imran Khan and Gates agreed on the importance of urgently stopping the spread of COVID-19, polio and other vaccine-preventable diseases in Pakistan.

He also reaffirmed that eradication of polio remained a key priority of the government and efforts were underway to intensify the anti-Polio campaign across the country despite COVID-19 related challenges.

The prime minister affirmed his commitment to strengthening efforts nationwide to achieve a polio-free Pakistan. Both agreed to continue working together on the shared objectives.

Pakistan has a robust partnership with the Gates Foundation, including continued support to the Ehsaas Programme which helps the most vulnerable segment of Pakistan’s population.