Islamabad (Web Desk): Prime Minister Imran Khan and Microsoft co-founder and billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates on Tuesday discussed polio eradication in Pakistan and health system in Afghanistan.
In a telephonic conversation with the US business magnate, PM Imran reaffirmed his government's commitment to eradicate all forms of the disease from Pakistan.
The premier said that the country had reported only one case of wild poliovirus (WPV) this year and positive WPV environmental samples had decreased substantially.
Praising progress towards polio eradication, Bill Gates pledged his continued support to Pakistan's polio programme for ensuring that no child in the country is at risk of paralysis due to polio virus.
The tech billionaire also felicitated Khan for the COVID-19 vaccine roll-out and noted the Foundation’s continued support of govt-led programmes, including Ehsaas which is making impressive progress in reducing stunting, and the digitization of the National Savings Program through Karandaaz.
PM Imran and Bill Gates shared their concerns regarding the health system in Afghanistan, the Radio Pakistan reported.
They discussed the importance of resumption of polio campaigns in Afghanistan to stop the disease and protect Pakistan's recent gains towards ending polio.
Imran Khan highlighted that more than half of the population in Afghanistan was living below poverty line and in dire need of financial assistance.
He urged Bill Gates to consider providing humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people.
Prime Minister Imran Khan thanked Gates for his Foundation's valuable partnership with Pakistan.