ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Imran Khan Wednesday expressed appreciation for the support provided by renowned techie Bill Gates’ foundation during the unprecedented crisis caused by novel coronavirus pandemic.
The premier held a phone call with Gates to discuss the latest developments surrounding the COVID-19 response. Khan also hailed the international partners for their support in the difficult times.
In the context of the pandemic, they also discussed that routine immunization programs for children especially polio vaccination cannot be ignored, as well as, the need for capacity enhancement of the National Institute of Health.
Both high ups discussed the important role that Pakistan’s polio staff and infrastructure were playing in the fight against COVID19. The polio teams are supporting the training of frontline polio health workers on COVID19 and using contact tracing, testing & communication methods to curb transmission.
Prime Minister Imran Khan and Bill Gates also discussed their shared priority of polio eradication.
Gates, the founder of Microsoft, commended Pakistan’s efforts in protecting the lives and livelihoods of vulnerable populations.
During the conversation, the premier called for “Global Initiative on Debt Relief” for the developing countries facing financial crunches due to the pandemic.
He underlined that the government had put together a $8 billion package to support the affected people and businesses. “Steps taken by the government have helped in containing the spread of Coronavirus in Pakistan,” said the prime minister.
He emphasized that Pakistan was facing a dual challenge of overcoming the pandemic and saving people, particularly the most vulnerable segments of the population, from hunger due to lockdown.
Prime Minister Imran Khan stated that Pakistan was making all efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic with a robust and coordinated response.
