SAPM on Health Dr. Zafar Mirza met with Bill Gates in the Polio Pledging Moment, taking place during “Reaching the Last Mile Forum (RLM Forum) hosted by the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court, in partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Bill Gates appreciated the Ministry of NHSRC led by Dr. Zafar Mirza for the transformation efforts in administrative and operational aspects of Polio Eradication and EPI. Dr. Zafar Mirza shared the country's resolve to bring improvements in Polio, Nutrition and Routine Immunization. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation pledged to provide US$1.08 billion, while other international donors will spend $2.06 billion to eradicate polio from Pakistan.
According to detail the RLM Forum is a biennial event that brings together the global health leaders to share insights and best practices on how to map out, eliminate and eradicate infectious diseases. This year under the theme “Accelerating the Pace” the Forum is bringing together more than 250 prominent global leaders, high level functionaries from across government, private sector, philanthropy and academia to discuss “reaching the last mile of disease elimination faster.
Dr. Zafar Mirza also met with the State Minister of Norway Aksal Jacosen, the Director, Centers for Disease Control Robert Redfield, and President of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Dr. Chris Elias. The purpose of the meetings was to increase collaboration in funding, technical assistance, and the help of global experts toward improving health, nutrition and financial inclusion within Pakistan.
In meeting with the State Minister of Norway Aksal Jacosen, Dr. Zafar highlighted the broader agenda of Pakistan in investment in human capital. In his meeting with the Director, Centers for Disease Control Robert Redfield both sides discussed broader health agenda. Dr. Zafar Mirza appreciated the efforts of Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Pakistan. He said that “CDC is an active supporter in overall health initiatives in Pakistan”. He also shared details of national action plan on injection safety, the HIV outbreak and the challenges faced by Pakistan. He also highlighted the government efforts and strategy to control the diseases. The Director CDC committed to provide all support to control the outbreak of polio in Pakistan. Meanwhile, Dr. Zafar Mirza in his meeting with President of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Dr. Chris Elias expressed fullest commitment to put measures in place to end polio once and for all.
The Minister emphasized on the unification of the program, both on political fronts and partnerships. He said 2020 will be a year of transformation for the program. The President of BMGF appreciated the commitment of government of Pakistan and assured maximum support. He said that “this collaboration continues the foundation’s more than decade-long work in Pakistan. Throughout that time, polio – a disease that stands on the brink of eradication across the world – has remained the top priority.”
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