PM calls for addressing global inequalities in vaccine distribution

F.P. Report

RIYADH : Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for addressing the global inequalities in distribution of vaccines and other cooperation to address health issues.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Riyadh today, he said huge global imbalances and gap in distribution of vaccines need to be addressed jointly at the international level. He said the gap in allocation of Covid-19 vaccines is a bright example in this regard.

The Prime Minister further said climate change is also a global issue which has completely changed the landscape. He said Pakistan does not contribute even a fraction of emissions but even then it is on the red list of climate change.

He said Pakistan experienced the worst climate change floods in Pakistan in 2022, devastating everything from hospitals, schools, lands and agriculture.

He said the government had to invest billions of rupees to rehabilitate people. But when it came to the question of seeking funds from abroad, there were expensive loans. He questioned as to how a developing country can afford that.

Regarding health facilities being extended to people in Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif said he, as the Chief Minister of Punjab, provided decent healthcare facilities to the flood affected people of the province and successfully controlled the outbreak of Dengue. 

He said a state of the art liver and kidney hospital was established in Lahore, which is providing free treatment to the poor.

The Prime Minister also acknowledged the contribution of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in eradication of polio virus from Pakistan. He said the government of Pakistan managed to vaccinate children, despite devastating floods in 2022.

The Prime Minister also expressed the confidence that Pakistan will soon become as a polio free country as a result of continuous efforts.

At the conclusion of his conversation, he commended measures taken in the health sector by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud.