Bill Gates meets Ramadoss, discusses polio eradication

NEW DELHI: Microsoft founder and leading philanthropist Bill Gates on Tuesday met Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss and discussed the polio eradication programme in the country for which his foundation is a major donor.

During the meeting, wide ranging issues from the health sector were also discussed, including the National Rural Health Mission, AIDS control and the anti-tobacco efforts.

In a separate polio round table, new initiatives taken by the Government for complete eradication of polio from the country were discussed.

Describing the polio programme of the nation as the biggest health programme anywhere in the world which covers about 172 million children in one round, the health minister said that the initiative has consistently accounted for more Government funds in the annual budget than any other communicable disease programme.

The discussion also focused on high risk regions and population at risk and intensified efforts to deal with the situation.

Gates expressed confidence that with additional tools to enhance current efforts, polio can be successfully eradicated in India.

The polio round table was attended by senior officers of the Union Health Ministry and Planning Commission besides the members of the WHO and UNICEF.