PM Shehbaz, Bill Gates discuss efforts to eradicate polio in Pakistan
Two sides agree to cooperate in developing improved seeds, livestock genetics, emerging agricultural technologies
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with Bill Gates in New York to discuss Pakistan's efforts to eradicate polio while attending the UN General Assembly session. The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) confirmed that Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan's commitment to completely eradicating the disease and thanked the Gates Foundation for its support.
Gates praised Pakistan's ongoing efforts and appreciated Shehbaz's guidance to provincial governments on the nationwide polio vaccination program. The PMO also revealed that the Gates Foundation visited Pakistan recently and cooperated in various areas, including polio eradication, maternal and child health, nutrition, immunization, digitalization, and financial inclusion.
Shehbaz expressed interest in expanding cooperation with the foundation in public health, agriculture, digital innovation, and artificial intelligence, and discussed reforms in Pakistan's agriculture sector. The two countries agreed to explore cooperation in developing better seeds, livestock genetics, and emerging agricultural technologies.
Despite a decline in overall transmission, poliovirus continues to circulate in southern K-P due to security constraints limiting access for vaccination teams. In 2026, Pakistan recorded four cases, all in Bannu district, with three cases occurring in Noor Union Council, Miryan tehsil. Security remains a major challenge for eradication efforts, with vaccination teams needing protection to reach children in high-risk areas.
Written by urgent.news from The Express Tribune - Pakistan's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
