Bill Gates phones Gen Qamar, hails Pakistan Army's role in polio eradication drive
General Qamar Javed Bajwa says despite the Covid-19 crisis, Pakistan Army is supporting the government’s efforts
Bill Gates and General Qamar Javed Bajwa discussed the polio eradication drive in Pakistan. PHOTO: FILE
ISLAMABAD:
Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa and billionaire cum philanthropist Bill Gates held a telephonic conversation on Wednesday, said the army’s media wing.
According to the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), Gates and General Bajwa discussed the polio eradication drive in Pakistan. “Bill Gates appreciated Pakistan Army's help in enabling the polio campaign through provision of security, monitoring and bridging of capacity gaps.”
The army chief termed it a national duty in which the army played a significant part in implementing initiatives undertaken by the government of Pakistan and provincial health departments. “The healthcare workers who played the most important part in polio drives also acted as the frontline defence against Covid-19,” General Qamar said.
Bill Gates lauds Pakistan's efforts against Covid-19 outbreak
“Despite the Covid-19 crisis, Pakistan Army is supporting the government’s efforts and has already made preparations to restart the anti-polio campaign in coming weeks.”
The military’s media wing further added that challenges pertaining to the current and future pandemic threats were also discussed apart from efforts to enhance the resilience of population through education, flexible healthcare management and use of technology.
COAS also thanked Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s efforts towards the noble cause and said every initiative was aimed at the betterment of Pakistan and its people will be fully supported and appreciated.
Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa and billionaire cum philanthropist Bill Gates held a telephonic conversation on Wednesday, said the army’s media wing.
According to the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), Gates and General Bajwa discussed the polio eradication drive in Pakistan. “Bill Gates appreciated Pakistan Army's help in enabling the polio campaign through provision of security, monitoring and bridging of capacity gaps.”
The army chief termed it a national duty in which the army played a significant part in implementing initiatives undertaken by the government of Pakistan and provincial health departments. “The healthcare workers who played the most important part in polio drives also acted as the frontline defence against Covid-19,” General Qamar said.
Bill Gates lauds Pakistan's efforts against Covid-19 outbreak
“Despite the Covid-19 crisis, Pakistan Army is supporting the government’s efforts and has already made preparations to restart the anti-polio campaign in coming weeks.”
The military’s media wing further added that challenges pertaining to the current and future pandemic threats were also discussed apart from efforts to enhance the resilience of population through education, flexible healthcare management and use of technology.
COAS also thanked Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s efforts towards the noble cause and said every initiative was aimed at the betterment of Pakistan and its people will be fully supported and appreciated.