Bill Gates meets Nawaz to discuss progress on polio eradication
NEW YORK: The Chairman of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Mr. Bill Gates called on the Prime Minister of Pakistan Mian Nawaz Sharif and discussed health projects sponsored by his foundation, said a press release issued by the Pakistan Mission from UN.
According to press statement, Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif Saturday began his busy schedule of engagements here with a meeting with Bill Gates, focusing on matters relating to polio eradication and education.
Gates, Chairman Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, called on the Prime Minister and discussed health projects sponsored by his foundation, said a press release issued by the Pakistan Mission.
PM Sharif arrived in New York on Friday to lead Pakistan’s delegation to the 70th anniversary session of the U.N. General Assembly.
The Prime Minister told Gates that Pakistan was making strenuous efforts to control polio and thanked Bill and Milanda Gates Foundation for helping the country in its efforts.
Gates appreciated Pakistan’s efforts to control polio and acknowledged there have been good progress in eradicating polio. He also appreciated Pakistan’s Army Chief General Raheel Sharif for the critical role the army is playing in anti-polio drive in the tribal areas.
The Prime Minister said he is personally spearheading the anti-polio campaign in Pakistan, noting that against 306 polio cases previously, only 36 have been registered this year.
It may be mentioned that Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is the largest private foundation in the world that was founded by Bill and Melinda Gates. It was launched in 2000 and is said to be the largest transparently operated private foundation in the world.
According to Wikipedia, the primary aims of the foundation are, globally, to enhance healthcare and reduce extreme poverty, and in America, to expand educational opportunities and access to information technology. The foundation, based in Seattle, Washington, is controlled by its three trustees: Bill Gates, Melinda Gates and Warren Buffett. Other principal officers include Co-Chair William H. Gates, Sr. and Chief Executive Officer Susan Desmond-Hellmann.
