Pakistan PM Meets Bill Gates in Saudi Arabia to Discuss Polio Eradication and Partnerships

On Monday, April 29, 2024, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan met with Bill Gates, the co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The meeting focused on Pakistan's efforts to eradicate polio and strengthen partnerships with the Gates Foundation in areas such as immunization, nutrition, and financial inclusion.

During the meeting, which took place on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum Special Meeting, Prime Minister Sharif highlighted Pakistan's commitment to eradicating polio and called for continued efforts by all partners to achieve this goal. Gates acknowledged Pakistan's progress and recalled the successful immunization and polio vaccine program in Punjab province under Sharif's leadership as Chief Minister. He emphasized the importance of replicating this practice across the country.

The two leaders also discussed ongoing activities between Pakistan and the Gates Foundation. Prime Minister Sharif reaffirmed his commitment to continue working closely with the Foundation to ensure a stronger partnership. He sought collaboration in additional areas such as IT, STEM education, and disaster management. The Prime Minister extended an invitation to Gates to visit Pakistan again at a time of his convenience.

Why this matters: The meeting between Prime Minister Sharif and Bill Gates underscores the global importance of polio eradication efforts and the role of international partnerships in achieving this goal. Pakistan's progress in combating polio has significant implications for global health and serves as a model for other countries facing similar challenges.

The meeting also resulted in several key commitments. Saudi Arabia and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation pledged to work together to protect 370 million children annually from polio and lift millions out of poverty across 33 Islamic Development Bank member countries. Saudi Arabia announced a total commitment of over $620 million to support polio eradication, immunization, and poverty alleviation efforts. The Gates Foundation will open a regional office in Riyadh to coordinate the implementation of the new partnership.

"Pakistan was working tirelessly to eliminate polio from the country," Prime Minister Sharif stated during the meeting. He thanked Gates for his support and emphasized the need for all partners to maintain their efforts to reach the goal of a polio-free Pakistan. The meeting reinforced the strong partnership between Pakistan and the Gates Foundation in the fight against polio and their shared commitment to improving global health and development.</

Key Takeaways

• PM Sharif and Bill Gates met to discuss polio eradication in Pakistan.
• Gates praised Pakistan's progress and urged replicating successful practices nationwide.
• Saudi Arabia and Gates Foundation pledged $620M to support polio, immunization, and poverty alleviation.
• Gates Foundation to open a regional office in Riyadh to coordinate the new partnership.
• The meeting reinforced the strong Pakistan-Gates Foundation partnership in fighting polio and improving global health.