By our correspondent
KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Thursday welcomed a delegation from the Gates Foundation, led by its Global President, Dr Christopher J. Elias, at a meeting aimed at reviewing and boosting the province’s polio eradication initiatives.
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Asif Haider Shah, Secretary to the Chief Minister Abdul Raheem Sheikh, Health Secretary Jamshed Memon, Coordinator EOC Shehryar Memon, and other senior officials. The Gates Foundation delegation included Dr Anita Zaidi, President of the Gender Equality Division, Dr Kathy Newsome, Director of Polio, and Dr Michael Galway, Deputy Director of Polio.
Speaking at the meeting, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah expressed gratitude for the Foundation’s continued support in Sindh’s ongoing struggle against polio. “The provincial government has strengthened its polio campaign, and the coverage rate of vaccination has increased. We are committed to eliminating the virus completely,” he said.
Dr Elias praised Sindh’s efforts, describing the provincial government’s approach as systematic and effective. “We highly appreciate the measures taken by the Sindh government and will continue our support until polio is completely eradicated,” he said. He also noted that recent environmental samples from Karachi had tested positive for the virus, highlighting the need for renewed focus.
The Chief Minister announced that a new polio campaign would run from 2 to 8 February, describing it as “more active, better organized, and results-driven.” The meeting underscored the partnership between the Gates Foundation and the Sindh government, reinforcing shared commitments to ensure every child is protected from polio.
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