Overview
- Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met a Gates Foundation team led by Dr Chris Elias at the Prime Minister’s House, reaffirming the goal of complete eradication and continuation of PSDP-backed initiatives.
- Federal–provincial alignment was emphasized, with instructions to the health ministry to strengthen public awareness and maintain reliable vaccine supply.
- The Gates delegation visited the NEOC in Islamabad for briefings from Coordinator Muhammad Anwarul Haq on surveillance trends and ongoing immunisation under the Roadmap to Zero Polio 2026.
- Health Minister Mustafa Kamal held separate talks, calling polio eradication a national priority, spotlighting work in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Karachi, and committing necessary resources.
- Gates officials, including newly appointed Polio Director Dr Kathy Neuzil and Deputy Director Michael Galway, praised reduced environmental virus detection and wider access for vaccination teams.