ISLAMABAD Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Prime Minister Imran Khan agreed to continue working together on the shared objectives of eradicating Polio and combating the COVID-19 pandemic.

The premier held a telephone conversation with Bill Gates on Wednesday when views were exchanged on the COVID-19 situation and Polio eradication efforts in Pakistan.

The prime minister shared Pakistan’s policy to control and mitigate the deleterious impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on health and economy.

He apprised Gates of Pakistan’s national coordinated efforts, being implemented through ‘smart lockdowns’ aimed at saving people from dying from the virus and hunger.

Noting the surge in COVID-19 cases, the premier underscored the government’s commitment to combat the second wave through similar interventions.

He, however, noted that implementation of SOPs is more challenging this time.

He acknowledged the Gates Foundation’s continued support of the Ehsaas Programme, which would help the most vulnerable segments of Pakistan’s population benefit from its expertise in health, nutrition and financial inclusion.

The prime minister commended the Gates Foundation’s strong advocacy for the provision of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines to all developing countries.

He reaffirmed that eradication of Polio remained a key priority of the Government.

While thanking the Gates Foundation for its critical support in building Pakistan’s emergency management capacity for Polio eradication, the Prime Minister highlighted that anti-Polio campaigns were being intensified across the country.

He added that SAPM on Health Dr. Faisal Sultan and his team would continue to collaborate with his Foundation for eradication of Polio.

Bill Gates acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic while stimulating economic growth.

Both agreed to continue working together on the shared objectives of eradicating Polio and combating the COVID-19 pandemic.