Bill Gates pledges support for polio eradication in letter to PM

Bill Gates, the most successful tech entrepreneur, has written a letter to Prime Minister Imran Khan, reaffirming support for the Polio-Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation as part of polio eradication efforts in Pakistan.

In a letter, the Microsoft co-founder has expressed his concern with the rising polio situation in Pakistan, local media reported. "Large numbers of children in key reservoirs continue to be missed during polio campaigns, in large part due to sub-optimal management and increased community resistance to vaccination – all of which is allowing the virus to build and continue circulating," Gates said in his letter.

Gates pledged to continue working with the relevant authorities in Pakistan to eradicate the polio virus from the country. Gates appreciated the premier's efforts to eliminate polio and has expressed his willingness in devising long-term plans regarding the poverty alleviation programme.

On Wednesday, PM chaired an emergency meeting after taking notice of the polio situation in the country. PM's Focal Person on Polio Eradication Babar Bin Atta briefed the meeting which was also attended by Deputy Director Polio-Bill and Melinda Gates Tim Peterson.