Bill Gates appreciates Pakistan’s success against COVID-19

Islamabad: Microsoft owner William Henry Gates on Thursday appreciated Pakistan’s success against COVID-19 despite resources constraints and introducing excellent initiatives besides taking measures for public health safety. 

Bill Gates, Co-Chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) made these remarks during his visit to National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) today. 

American business magnate met Chairman NCOC Asad Umar and Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Health, Dr Faisal Sultan.

Later, philanthropist along with his delegation attended NCOC session. 

Bill Gates and his delegation was apprised about NCOC role and methodology, achievements since start of pandemic, recent Covid-19 situation across Pakistan and various. 

A comprehensive review of Pakistan’s efforts against Covid-19 was presented to the visiting delegation.

The visiting delegation was also briefed on genome sequencing (prevalence of various variants in the country). 

Bill Gates took keen interest on various initiatives by NCOC particularly smart lock down and micro smart lock down strategy enforcement measures. 

World’s fourth richest man also liked Pakistan’s vaccine administration regime which enabled NCOC to formulate and to implement a comprehensive COVID response and also shared his views on Covid-19 particularly vaccination drive. 

Asad Umar attributed the success of true national response, executed through an effective communication campaign mechanism of the NCOC, which helped build trust of masses on National COVID response and positive behavioural change to follow Covid protocols as outlined by NCOC.

It is pertinent to mention here that Imran Khan and Bill Gates continue to have occasional telephone conversations. 

In January, both leaders met to discuss a range of issues, including polio eradication in Pakistan and the ongoing global epidemic.