Bill Gates said that the Saudi people should be proud that their country is working with a team to eradicate polio.
In an interview with Al Arabiya, Gates highlighted the great commitment made by his foundation and the Saudi government to invest $620 million over the next five years to combat polio.
Saudi Arabia, Gates Cooperation to Eradicate Polio
A few days ago, the Saudi ministry of health and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to partner in eradicating polio globally, reported Akhbaar 24.
The Minister of Health, Fahad Al-Jalajel, revealed the MoU inking on Sunday. He added, in his speech at the World Economic Forum in Riyadh, that the two parties will work to eradicate polio in the hope of a better and polio-free future.
Al-Jalajel pointed out that investing in health is not just a dream, but rather a strategic matter to increase immunity to future challenges. The minister noted that the Kingdom has activated a platform for cooperation between sectors to improve health.
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation opened its first regional headquarters in the non-profit Mohammed bin Salman City “MiSK” in Riyadh. The agreement between Saudi Arabia and the foundation establishes joint programs in the fields of education, technology, and health.
In addition, Saudi Arabia has provided more than $600 million to protect 370 million children annually from polio. It also aims to lift millions out of poverty in 33 member countries of the Islamic Development Bank in cooperation with the Gates Foundation.
During the interview, the co-founder of Microsoft also discussed various topics like the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine and ways to transfer money and focus on health initiatives amid these conditions.
He highlighted the pivotal role of media in spreading awareness and promoting charity.
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