COAS Bajwa, Bill Gates discuss Pakistan's COVID-19 response, polio campaign resumption

Dunya News

Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa spoke on telephone with Bill Gates.

RAWALPINDI (Dunya News) – Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa spoke on telephone with Bill Gates – co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation – about Pakistan’s COVID-19 response and resumption of polio campaign.

Inter-Services Public Relations Director General (ISPR DG) Major General Babar Iftikhar said in a series of tweets on Saturday that Bill Gates conveyed appreciation for Pakistan Army for supporting national polio drive, ensuring proper reach and coverage.

“COAS General Qamar Javed Bajwa said it was a national cause and national effort for a polio free Pakistan. Credit goes to grassroots workers including mobile teams, Law Enforcement Agencies and healthcare representatives.”



“Both also discussed the safe start and efforts needed to effectively conduct polio campaign under COVID environment. Mr Gates also appreciated Pakistan’s success against #COVID-19 despite resource constraints. COAS attributed the success to a true national response executed through the mechanism of the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) which allowed optimisation of resources.

“Mr Gates reiterated the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s ongoing commitment ‘to fight pandemics’ around the world and to support Pakistan in its goals of ending polio and improving health for every child.”