By Imran Nasir 

ISLAMABAD (TSAT) - American billionaire and Microsoft co-founder  Bill Gates on Thursday praised Pakistan efforts for the eradication of the crippling and sometimes deadly disease from the country.

During his telephonic conversation with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, the Co-Chairman of Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation said his organisation would continue to help the South Asian country.

“Bill Gates appreciated the recent efforts made by Pakistan to eradicate Polio, reinforced his commitment to Polio eradication; acknowledged Pakistan’s successful Covid-19 vaccination campaign; and assured of Gates Foundation’s continued support,” said in a statement, issued from premier office.

Khan also expressed his appreciation for the work of Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in fighting poverty, disease, and inequity around the world.

He in particular lauded the work of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in Pakistan, the statement added.

Khan reaffirmed that eradication of Polio from Pakistan remains a key priority of the government and efforts are underway to intensify the anti-Polio campaign across the country despite challenges related to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

Pakistan and Afghanistan are the two countries in the world where polio virus is still active.

However, last year Islamabad got big achievement as the country recorded only one case in 2021 which widely praised.

In 2020, Pakistan reported 84 cases and authorities expect that this year the country will move its journey from one to zero.

During Thursday conversation, Khan and Gates agreed to continue working together on the shared objectives while commending his strong advocacy to promote equitable access to COVID-19 vaccine and help with low-income countries