Letter of appreciation: Gates lauds Imran’s role in polio-free K-P, FATA

Shows faith in his commitment in eradication of the crippling disease.


Qamar Zaman March 26, 2015
PHOTO: AGENCIES

ISLAMABAD: US business magnet and philanthropist Bill Gates once again lauded Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan for his leadership and commitment to polio eradication.

“I am encouraged by your [Imran] personal commitment to eliminate this [polio] disease in Pakistan. Your strong leadership comes at a critical time in our global efforts,” said the chairman of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in a letter sent to the PTI chief.

It further says, “Your [Imran’s] direct engagement and your leadership are essential to ensuring a polio-free future for all of the children of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) — and your work will have global reach and recognition.”



Earlier this month, Gates had a telephone conversation with Imran wherein he had appreciated K-P’s initiatives, particularly regarding its fight against polio. He had also congratulated Imran on conducting a successful anti-polio campaign, ‘Sehat Ka Ittehad’, in the province.

The letter further reads: “I am interested in your [Imran] opinion on the use of mapping technology in Pakistan – a technology which has helped Nigeria get close to eradicate polio. I know there are sensitivities around this type of technology, and I look to your guidance on what is appropriate. I’ve asked Dr Waqar Ajmal to follow up with your team during his current mission.”

It is encouraging, the letter further states, to see the army, federal and provincial governments working together under your banner ‘United for Health’, adding that this initiative is key to interrupting transmission and it highlights how polio is truly a humanitarian priority above political and partisan differences.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 26th, 2015.

 

COMMENTS (2)

Ahmed | 9 years ago | Reply More respect for you Khan
UN | 9 years ago | Reply This is clearly a conspiracy against democracy.
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