French Agency for Development and Gates Foundation Discuss Polio Eradication with Pakistan’s Health Minister

A delegation from the French Agency for Development and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation met with Pakistan’s Federal Health Minister, Abdul Qadir Patel, to explore avenues for cooperation in social protection and health, with a focus on polio eradication. The delegation was in Pakistan to identify the country’s needs as it works towards interrupting poliovirus transmission in 2023, and to understand areas where support can be provided following the climate catastrophe of 2022, which left over 33 million people in need of aid.

During the meeting, the Minister emphasized the challenges Pakistan has faced due to the 2022 floods, which severely damaged the country’s health service infrastructure in many districts, leaving thousands of people without homes and livelihoods. Despite these challenges, Pakistan remains committed to eradicating polio, and the Minister expressed his determination to create a polio-free future for Pakistan’s children.

The Gates Foundation delegation, led by Jay Wenger, Global Head for Polio Eradication, and the French Agency for Development delegation, headed by Agnès Soucat, Director of Health and Social Protection, acknowledged the progress made by Pakistan last year, and expressed their hope that polio eradication is within reach, with only seven districts remaining polio-endemic.

Since 2021, all polio cases have been reported from southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the international community’s generous support has helped Pakistan make significant progress in the fight against poliovirus. The delegation members emphasized the need for continued support to close the funding gap and successfully conduct immunization campaigns to achieve the ultimate goal of eradicating polio.

The meeting highlighted the importance of international cooperation in the fight against polio and demonstrated the commitment of the French Agency for Development and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to support Pakistan in its efforts to eradicate polio and improve health and social protection.