ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) — Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a meeting with a delegation of the Global Fund, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening cooperation in the fight against major infectious diseases including tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and malaria.
The delegation was led by Mark Edington, Head of the Grant Management Division, along with senior officials including portfolio manager Ms Izaskun Gaviria and Deputy General Counsel Ms Natasha Heffinck.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister welcomed the delegation and said Pakistan highly values its partnership with the Global Fund, acknowledging its significant contribution to improving public health systems in developing countries.
He noted that the Global Fund has remained an important partner in strengthening Pakistan’s healthcare delivery system, particularly in ongoing efforts to eliminate TB, HIV, and malaria from the country.
Shehbaz Sharif stressed that the government remains fully committed to combating the spread of these diseases and is working actively to improve prevention, treatment, and awareness programs across the country.
He also directed the formation of a joint working group between the Government of Pakistan and the Global Fund to enhance cooperation on HIV prevention initiatives.
Officials from the Ministry of National Health Services briefed the delegation on Pakistan’s current strategies and progress in controlling TB, HIV, and malaria.
The delegation appreciated Pakistan’s hospitality and praised the government’s efforts in tackling infectious diseases, reaffirming continued support and partnership in health sector programs.
Senior government officials, including Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal, Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Prime Minister’s Focal Person for Polio Eradication Ayesha Raza Farooq, and other senior officials, also attended the meeting.