RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa and Co-Chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Bill Gates, in a telephonic conversation, discussed Pakistan's Covid-19 response and resumption of Polio eradication campaign.

Inter-Services Public Relations Director General (ISPR DG) Major General Babar Iftikhar said in a series of tweets on Saturday that Bill Gates conveyed appreciation for Pakistan Army for supporting national polio drive, ensuring proper reach and coverage.

Bill Gates appreciated the Pakistan Army for supporting government efforts to contain coronavirus pandemic and Pakistan's success against Covid-19 despite resource constraint.

COAS Bajwa said that success against Covid-19 pandemic was achieved due to a true national response executed through the mechanism of the National Coordination Committee which allowed optimisation of resources. Both also discussed the safe start of Polio eradication campaign and efforts needed for this purpose, said the ISPR.

Bill Gates reiterated his foundation's commitment to supporting Pakistan in its goal of ending Polio and improving the health of every child.