Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa held a telephonic conversation with Bill Gates and discussed COVID-19 and polio situation in Pakistan.
COAS General Bajwa and Bill Gates – co-chairman of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, mulled over Pakistan’s efforts against COVID-19 outbreak along with polio eradication campaigns and measures being carried out in the country.
According to Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), the two discussed the safe start and efforts needed to effectively conduct polio campaign under COVID environment.
“Mr Gates also appreciated Pakistan’s success against COVID-19 despite resource constraints,” read the statement issued by ISPR.
Furthermore, Bill Gates appreciated Pakistan Army’s contribution and positive role in facilitating anti-polio drives and increasing its outreach and coverage in the country.
Meanwhile, COAS General Bajwa attributed Pakistan’s success in tackling coronavirus outbreak to a united national effort and credited grass root workers, mobile teams, Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) and healthcare workers in mitigating polio and COVID-19 issues.
Both COAS and Bill Gates agreed upon future cooperation and joint initiatives between Pakistan and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in polio eradication initiatives and improving health circumstances of children, the ISPR added.
