Caretaker PM, Bill Gates discuss polio eradication, gender equality & nutrition

UNITED NATIONS (92 News) - Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar met Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, to discuss polio eradication, gender equality, nutrition, and financial inclusion, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly Session in New York, USA.

The prime minister expressed optimism that stopping poliovirus transmission in every area of the country remains possible this year. He underscored that the caretaker government and the National Polio Task Force remain fully committed to reaching children nationwide with polio vaccines, routine immunizations, and other essential health services.

Bill Gates reiterated that polio eradication in Pakistan is a top priority, with particular interest in stopping cross-border transmission with Afghanistan and continuing vaccination campaigns in Southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. He also expressed his confidence in the National Emergency Operations Centre and the caretaker government to continue ongoing efforts for ending poliovirus transmission.

He also shared his appreciation for the Prime Minister’s support in scaling up innovations and proven approaches to nutrition and improving financial inclusion efforts in Pakistan. Gates and the prime minister also discussed how improvements across these priorities help improve gender equality efforts, ensuring that women and girls can prioritize their health, finances and futures, and be leaders in their societies.