PM Imran discusses COVID-19, polio eradication with Bill Gates

Prime Minister Imran Khan spoke to Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, on Tuesday to discuss the coronavirus situation and the resumption of polio vaccination campaigns in Pakistan, Radio Pakistan reported.

During the telephonic conversation, the premier informed Gates about the improving coronavirus situation in Pakistan with a considerable reduction in new cases and the fatality rate.

PM Imran said that the federal government's “smart lockdown” policy proved to effective in curbing the pandemic.

The premier noted that timely interventions enabled the government to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 on health and economy and avert a major catastrophe.

The premier acknowledged the Gates Foundation’s continued support to Pakistan which includes the COVID-19 response and reaffirmed polio eradication as a key priority of the government.

Both the prime minister and Gates agreed to enhance the polio programme to ensure vaccination for all children, including in the remote areas.