NEW YORK – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Bill Gates unite for Health and Education Initiatives on the sidelines of 79th Session of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
The high-level meeting focused on the Gates foundation’s ongoing support for various health initiatives in Asian nation.
Recalling Gates’ recent visit to Pakistan in June, PM Shehbaz expressed gratitude for the invitation to visit the Gates Foundation in Seattle this December. He highlighted the foundation’s critical role in supporting Pakistan’s efforts in polio eradication, maternal and child health, nutrition, immunization, digitization, and financial inclusion.
PM reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to eradicating polio, thanking BMGF for its long-term support and emphasizing the need for continued collaboration, particularly in strengthening health systems and enhancing maternal and child nutrition.
He also acknowledged Islamabad’s efforts, stressing the importance of polio eradication for future generations, and praised the prime minister’s leadership and the engagement of provincial governments in the national vaccination program.
During their discussions, Bill Gates provided updates on Health Dialogue with Afghanistan and requested support for addressing vaccination gaps, particularly in areas with high child morbidity rates. He also mentioned the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre’s support for polio and health-related initiatives.
PM also commended Gates Foundation’s recent polio campaign in Gaza and called for an immediate ceasefire and resolution of ongoing conflicts in line with UN resolutions. He expressed interest in expanding collaboration with BMGF into areas such as information technology, STEM education, agriculture, and livestock, recognizing the foundation as a key partner in Pakistan’s socio-economic development.
