Tells Gates Foundation delegation that government is working with provinces to ensure access for polio teams
President Global Development Gates Foundation Dr. Chris Elias with the delegation calls on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on January 28, 2026.
ISLAMABAD:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Wednesday that the government is pursuing a comprehensive strategy, backed by an efficient team, to eradicate polio from the country at the earliest.
He made the remarks during a meeting with Dr. Chris Elias, President of Global Development at the Gates Foundation, who called on him at the Prime Minister’s House along with a delegation.
“Pakistan will continue its efforts with the support of trusted partners such as the Gates Foundation until the disease is completely eradicated from the country,” the prime minister said.
A meeting with Prime Minister Mohammad Shahbaz Sharif along with the delegation of the Gates Foundation for Alqar 3 Tee Elias
Actions will be continued in Pakistan with the cooperation of people like the Pakistan Polio Eradication Foundation. prime minister
Bill Gates for polio vaccine from Pakistan… pic.twitter.com/OC4Wvo2s2v
— PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) 28 January 2026
He expressed gratitude for the collaboration with Microsoft co-founder and billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates and acknowledged the support of brotherly Muslim countries, especially Saudi Arabia, in efforts to fight polio.
“Bill Gates’ invaluable services in eradicating polio from Pakistan will always be remembered,” he said.
Read: Knocking on doors to eradicate polio
While noting significant progress in the fight against the disease, the prime minister said further urgent measures remain essential. He said the federal government was working in close coordination with the provinces to ensure access for polio teams across the country and relevant projects under the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) would continue.
He also directed the Federal Ministry of Health to formulate recommendations, in coordination with relevant institutions, to strengthen public awareness and ensure the supply of vaccines to eradicate polio.
Dr. Elias said the Gates Foundation greatly appreciated the Prime Minister’s personal focus on polio eradication and the practical steps taken by the government. “Pakistan is moving steadily towards the goal of complete eradication and that consultations with federal and provincial governments and relevant institutions will continue,” he said.
He added that effective measures had been taken to reduce the presence of poliovirus in the environment and to ensure access for vaccination teams in all areas.
The visiting delegation included Gates Foundation Polio Director Dr. Kathy Neuzil and Polio Deputy Director Michael Galway. Dr. Elias expressed confidence in Pakistan’s anti-polio campaign and conveyed best wishes to the prime minister on Gates’ behalf.
Read more: Bugti, the Prime Minister’s aide undergoes polio drive
Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Health Minister Mustafa Kamal, Prime Minister’s Polio Eradication Contact Ayesha Raza Farooq and other senior officials were also present at the meeting.
Iqbal briefed the delegation on PSDP initiatives related to polio eradication, while Farooq outlined ongoing efforts against polio across provinces and cities.
The Prime Minister also congratulated Dr. Neuzil with her recent appointment and expressed his best wishes.
The Minister of Health reiterates polio eradication as a national priority
Kamal separately held a high-level meeting with the delegation to review progress and measures taken towards polio eradication.
The meeting included a detailed discussion of the steps taken so far and the progress achieved.
The health minister said eradication of polio was a national priority under the leadership of the prime minister and the government was ensuring the implementation of all necessary measures to achieve this goal.
Highlighting recent achievements, he said Pakistan had made significant progress over the past year through a coordinated countrywide strategy with special focus on high-risk areas, including southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He said he personally monitored the polio program, visited high-risk areas and coordinated closely with provincial governments to ensure an integrated response.
Dr. Elias, who is also the chairman of the Polio Oversight Board, praised Pakistan’s efforts and affirmed the continued global cooperation in the fight against polio.
On the occasion, the Health Minister emphasized the need for intensified and coordinated measures in Karachi and Southern KP and assured that the delegation in Pakistan would fulfill its national responsibility by providing the necessary financial resources.
