RAWALPINDI: Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa on Thursday appreciated efforts of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) towards polio eradication and assured the organisation of Pakistan Army’s continued support.

The army chief made these remarks during a call on paid by the chair of Polio Oversight Board, Global Polio Eradication Initiative, and president of Global Development Programme, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Christopher Elias, to him here, said an Inter-Services Public Relations release.

The COAS acknowledged the services rendered by health workers for polio eradication in Pakistan and said it was a national cause and a national effort.

Mr Elias conveyed the foundation’s appreciation for Pakistan Army for supporting the national polio drive and ensuring proper reach and coverage of polio campaigns this year, particularly through involvement of community leaders and influencers.

Moreover, the BMGF official appreciated Pakistan’s successful Covid-19 pandemic campaign and Pakistan Army’s tremendous contribution to bring it within the manageable level.

During the meeting, matters related to Pakistan’s commitment to comprehensive polio eradication were discussed.

Published in Dawn, June 11th, 2021