PM Shehbaz Sharif and Bill Gates Discuss Pakistan's Polio Eradication Efforts
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to eradicating polio in a meeting with philanthropist Bill Gates. The PM Office stated that all state resources would be used to protect polio workers during vaccine campaigns.
Pakistan recorded its fifth polio case this June. While the disease has been eliminated in many developed nations, it persists in parts of India, Nigeria, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Militants frequently target vaccination campaigns, resulting in the deaths of 11 policemen this year alone.
“The prime minister outlined a strong strategy to combat the increasing threat of polio and steps needed to eliminate the disease,” the PM Office said. “He emphasized that polio eradication is a top priority for the government.”
The statement highlighted that Prime Minister Sharif would personally oversee national efforts in the polio eradication campaign. “Mr. Gates expressed confidence that continuous vaccination and strong government commitment would lead to significant progress,” the PM Office added. “Both parties agreed to collaborate not only on polio eradication but also on strengthening the health system across all provinces.”
PM Sharif accompanied Gates to the National Emergencies Operations Center (NEOC), which oversees the polio eradication campaign. Opposition to polio vaccination in Pakistan, particularly in conservative tribal areas, persists due to beliefs that it is a Western sterilization effort.
