The federal government is taking practical steps under a comprehensive national strategy to eradicate polio from Pakistan at the earliest, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif said on Wednesday.

The prime minister made the remarks during a meeting with Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation President for Global Development Chris Elias, who called on him at the Prime Minister’s House in Islamabad. The discussion focused on Pakistan’s ongoing anti-polio campaign and international cooperation to eliminate the disease.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed the government’s resolve to continue polio eradication efforts in coordination with provincial governments and international partners. He said Pakistan would persist with its campaign until the complete elimination of polio, acknowledging the long-standing support of the Gates Foundation and friendly countries, including Saudi Arabia.

Despite progress in recent years, the prime minister noted that further urgent measures were required. He said the federal government was ensuring full coordination with provinces to facilitate access for polio vaccination teams across the country. Relevant projects under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for polio eradication would continue, he added.

The prime minister also directed the federal health ministry to develop coordinated recommendations for public awareness campaigns and the uninterrupted supply of polio vaccines, in consultation with relevant institutions.

Chris Elias welcomed the government’s commitment, saying the Gates Foundation appreciated the prime minister’s personal attention to polio eradication and the practical measures taken in Pakistan. He said Pakistan was making steady progress towards eliminating the disease and expressed confidence in the ongoing campaign.

He added that consultations with federal and provincial authorities would continue to strengthen vaccination coverage and reduce the environmental presence of the polio virus. Elias also conveyed best wishes to the prime minister on behalf of Bill Gates.

The visiting delegation included Gates Foundation Director for Polio Dr. Kathy Neuzil and Deputy Director Polio Michael Galway. Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal, Minister for Health Syed Mustafa Kamal, Prime Minister’s Focal Person for Polio Eradication Ayesha Raza Farooq, and senior officials were also present at the meeting.