Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Photo: File
ISLAMABAD:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday emphasized that the government was taking practical steps through a comprehensive strategy and an effective team to completely eliminate polio disease from Pakistan at the earliest.
He spoke with Global Development Gates Foundation President Dr. Chris Elias, who along with his delegation visited him at PM House.
The Prime Minister expressed the government’s resolve that Pakistan will continue its efforts with the support of trusted partners like the Gates Foundation until the complete eradication of polio from the country.
“Bill Gates’ invaluable services in polio eradication from Pakistan will always be remembered,” he said, adding that Pakistan was deeply grateful for the cooperation of Bill Gates and brotherly Muslim countries, especially Saudi Arabia, in polio eradication efforts.
Despite considerable success in the ongoing fight against the disease, the Prime Minister noted that further urgent measures were indispensable.
He said the federal government was working in full coordination with the provinces to ensure access for polio teams across the country, adding that relevant projects under the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) for the anti-polio campaign will be continued.
The Prime Minister also directed the Federal Ministry of Health to formulate recommendations, in coordination with all relevant institutions, for public awareness and delivery of vaccines in the context of polio eradication.
Gates Foundation President for Global Development Chris Elias said the foundation greatly appreciates the Prime Minister’s personal attention to polio eradication and the effective practical measures taken in this regard.
