ISLAMABAD – Bill Gates, Co-Chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), on Thursday appreciated Pakistan’s success against Covid-19 despite resource constraints and introducing excellent initiatives and measures for public health safety.
The billionaire philanthropist, who is in Pakistan on day-long visit, expressed his views during his visit to the National Command Operation Centre (NCOC) where he met forum chairman Asad Umar and PM’s aide on health Dr. Faisal Sultan.
Later, Bill Gates along with his delegation attended NCOC morning session. The delegation was apprised about NCOC’s role and methodology, achievements since the start of the pandemic, the recent Covid -19 situation across Pakistan and various NPIs placed by NCOC to control disease spread and ensure public safety and wellbeing. A comprehensive review of Pakistan’s efforts against Covid-19 was presented to visiting delegation.
Bill Gates ( @BillGates) visited NCOC today and met Federal Minister & NCOC chairman @Asad_Umar & Dr. @fslsltn https://t.co/iIaTljdkrg
— PTI (@PTIofficial) February 17, 2022
The visiting delegation was also briefed on genome sequencing ( prevalence of various variants in the country ).
Bill Gates took a keen interest in various initiatives by NCOC particularly smart lockdown and micro smart lockdown strategy enforcement measures.
The visiting officials were also briefed about Pakistan’s vaccine administration regime, which enabled NCOC to formulate and implement a comprehensive Covid response.
Bill Gates shared his views on Covid-19, particularly vaccination drive.
Asad Umar, who also holds the portfolio of planning minister, acknowledged the efforts of Bill Gates and his foundation to support Covid -19 initiatives in Pakistan.
Hosted @BillGates at the NCOC this morning. Shared with him the work which has been done for covid response in Pakistan and the role played by @OfficialNcoc. Thanked him for the support provided by the @gatesfoundation. He was appreciative of the covid response effort in Pakistan pic.twitter.com/pasYqnJ2gq
— Asad Umar (@Asad_Umar) February 17, 2022
The minister attributed the success to a true national response, executed through an effective communication campaign mechanism of the NCOC, which helped build trust of masses on National COVID response and positive behavioural change to follow Covid protocols as outlined by NCOC.
