Bill gates also visited the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC)
Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft and co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, held a meeting with Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday during his day-long visit to Pakistan and discussed the polio eradication campaign and the COVID-19 preventive programs, according to a press release issued by the PM Office.
Gates showed his gratitude towards the premier for inviting him and offering warm hospitality on his first-ever visit. He appreciated the performance of the leadership, healthcare workers, and parents for their hard work to ensure the eradication of Polio from the country, read the press release.
The billionaire philanthropist, who is on his first-ever visit to the country, called on high-ranking government officials as well besides holding a one-on-one meeting with PM Khan.
SAPM’s welcoming Tweet:
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health Dr Faisal Sultan took to his official Twitter handle to welcome Gates to Pakistan.
“It is a pleasure to welcome Mr. Bill Gates on his first-ever visit to Pakistan. Planned engagements include a review of progress on polio eradication; visits to NCOC and Ehsaas program as well as meeting the President, the PM and health leadership of the provinces.” He said.
Meeting With PM Imran Khan:
During the meeting, the prime minister told Bill Gates that his government is fully dedicated to eradicating polio from Pakistan and expressed thanks to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for its persistent support and partnership with the Government of Pakistan in polio eradication.
“Pakistan is providing full support for the sake of 40 million Afghan people in need of basic amenities,” the prime minister informed the Microsoft co-founder while asserting that Afghanistan, being the primary source of polio incidence in Pakistan’s two bordering provinces, is in need of urgent international support to avert humanitarian crisis.
Visit to NCOC:
Bill gates visited the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) where he had a meeting with the Federal Minister for Planning Asad Umar and other senior health officials.
Accompanied by his delegation, Gates was presented with a comprehensive review of Pakistan’s efforts against Covid-19.
He was also briefed about the following;
- NCOC’s role and methodology
- Accomplishments of NCOC since the start of the pandemic.
- the recent COVID -19 situation across Pakistan
- Various measures taken by the government to control disease spread
The philanthropist lauded Pakistan’s success against coronavirus despite the limitation of resources and starting excellent initiatives and measures for public health safety.
Hilal-e-Pakistan award:
President Dr. Arif Alvi conferred Hilal-e-Pakistan on Gates in acknowledgment of his commendable services to the people of Pakistan, particularly for the eradication of polio.
The award was presented at a special investiture ceremony held at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, attended by Begum Samina Alvi, federal ministers and senior officials.