General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Bill Gates, Co-Chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) had a telephone conversation, today.

According to the press release of ISPR, the call was in the backdrop of polio eradication drive in Pakistan. Bill Gates appreciated the Pakistan Army’s help in enabling the campaign through the provision of security, monitoring and bridging of capacity gaps.

COAS said that it’s a national duty and Army played a part in the significant initiatives undertaken by the Government of Pakistan and health care departments of provinces.

The healthcare workers who played the most important part in polio drive also acted as the frontline defence against COVID-19.

COAS said that despite COVID-19, Pakistan Army in support of Govt’s efforts has already made preparations to restart anti-polio campaign in coming weeks.

Both discussed the challenges in the face of current and future Pandemic threats and efforts to enhance the resilience of population through education, flexible healthcare management and use of technology.

COAS thanked Bill Gates for his Foundation’s efforts towards the noble cause and said that every initiative aimed at the betterment of Pakistan and its people will be fully supported and appreciated.

Also read: COAS, Rotary International discuss Pakistan’s fight against polio