Azad, Bill Gates discuss ways to strengthen health scenario in India

New Delhi, July 24 (ANI): Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad today met Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, to discuss their shared commitment to promote various health activities in India.

Azad appreciated the work being done by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for its continued support to the National Aids Control Programme through AVAHAN and to support for the National Polio Programme.

Azad reiterated the Government commitment to meet the MDG goals particularly relating to reduction in IMR and MMR as well as reduction in Morbidity and Mortality Rate and also other diseases like HIV AIDS, TB, Malaria etc.

Commenting on the Universal Immunisation Programme, Azad informed the visiting dignitaries about the road map for introduction of new vaccines to cover more vaccine preventable diseases.

In this context, he appreciated the efforts being made by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to discover and develop new vaccines and requested Mr. Gates for its continued support to the health Programme in India.

Gates congratulated Indian Government for its leadership on HIV AIDS prevention, which can be a model for the rest of the world.

He said Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is committed to work in India for the long haul. (ANI)