Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to eliminating tuberculosis (TB), HIV and malaria, while directing the formation of a joint working group with the Global Fund to strengthen efforts against HIV.
The prime minister made the remarks during a meeting with a Global Fund delegation led by Mark Edington. Other members of the delegation included Senior Portfolio Manager Izaskun Gaviria and Deputy General Counsel Natasha Heffinck.
Welcoming the delegation to Pakistan, Shehbaz said the country highly valued its partnership with the Global Fund and appreciated its contribution to improving public health in developing countries.
"The Global Fund is a very important partner of Pakistan in improving the country's healthcare system," the prime minister said.
He noted that the government was committed to eradicating tuberculosis, HIV, and malaria and was making extensive efforts to address them.
"Your partnership is strengthening our efforts to eliminate HIV, tuberculosis and malaria from Pakistan," he said.
The prime minister directed relevant authorities to establish a joint working group between the Government of Pakistan and the Global Fund to enhance cooperation in combating HIV and improving health outcomes.
During the meeting, officials from the Ministry of National Health Services briefed the delegation on the government's initiatives and ongoing programs aimed at controlling and eliminating TB, HIV and malaria across the country.
The Global Fund delegation thanked the Government of Pakistan for hosting the visit and appreciated the measures being taken to tackle the three diseases.
The delegation also reaffirmed the Global Fund's commitment to continuing its partnership with Pakistan in efforts to eliminate tuberculosis, HIV and malaria.
The meeting was attended by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Prime Minister's Focal Person for Polio Eradication Ayesha Raza Farooq and senior government officials.