Terming polio eradication a high priority of his government, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday appreciated the valuable support extended by the Gates Foundation to Pakistan to achieve the objective.

In a meeting with the Chair of the Gates Foundation, Bill Gates, on the sidelines of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, the prime minister also lauded the Foundation’s support for improving immunisation and nutrition, as well as financial inclusion in the country.

He also appreciated the Gates Foundation’s donation following floods in Pakistan this year, and recalled the organisation’s significant contribution to relief efforts during the 2022 floods.

The prime minister said that the partnership with the Gates Foundation would remain vital to achieve the objective of polio eradication.

While emphasising the government’s initiative of extensive economic reforms, digitisation of the economy and revitalisation of the economy, the prime minister especially acknowledged the practical, positive and valuable cooperation of the Gates Foundation.

Prime Minister Shehbaz and Bill Gates reaffirmed their shared commitment to continue working together to advance the cooperation in sectors of health, nutrition, digital transformation and larger socio-economic development of the country.