Government discusses enhanced cooperation with Gates foundation

New Delhi, April 20
The government on Monday discussed enhanced cooperation with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in various potential areas in the health sector, specially immunisation.

The issues were discussed when Melinda Gates, co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), called on Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda here, an official release said.

Issues pertaining to enhanced cooperation and active collaboration with the BMGF in terms of extending technical and logistic support in enhanced coverage through routine immunization and introduction of new vaccines such as Pentavalent vaccine, IPV, Measles Rubella (MR) vaccine and Rotavirus vaccine were also discussed, the release stated.

The health minister and Melinda Gates also talked about eliminating Kala Azar in the endemic states such as Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, support in controlling TB and in the field of family planning in terms of planning, monitoring and evaluation.

The health minister expressed appreciation for the efforts and meaningful contribution of the BMGF in the health sector in some states. He stated that the deep involvement of the foundation with various health issues is truly commendable.

Nadda said the government is committed to a "healthy India" and is making efforts towards improving health systems in the country particularly at the level of the primary health care centres.

The BMGF is viewed as an 'active partner' in the efforts of the ministry to meet its envisaged goals, he said.

Melinda Gates expressed appreciation of the efforts made for enhancing the immunisation coverage through the recently launched Mission Indradhanush. She stressed on improving healthcare systems in the country through evidence-based data support.