The United Arab Emirates has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling neglected diseases by pledging a significant sum to the Global Institute for Disease Elimination (GLIDE). Reaching the Last Mile, a collection of global health initiatives funded by President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's philanthropy, announced a AED 55 million (USD 14 million) commitment to the organization. This marks the second substantial contribution from Reaching the Last Mile to GLIDE since its inception in 2019.
The announcement coincides with the ongoing Abu Dhabi Global Conference, under the patronage of HH Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chair of the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council. The signing ceremony signifies a renewed focus on eliminating preventable infectious diseases and accelerating progress towards a disease-free future.
Nassar Al Mubarak, CEO of Reaching the Last Mile, highlighted the organization's unwavering dedication to improving global health outcomes. He emphasized that the grant reflects their commitment to advancing the eradication of infectious diseases that disproportionately impact vulnerable communities worldwide.
GLIDE, established through a collaborative effort between Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, serves as the sole institute of its kind in the region. With headquarters in Abu Dhabi, the organization spearheads global efforts to eliminate diseases like malaria, neglected tropical diseases, and filariasis. The AED 55 million grant will bolster GLIDE's critical research and development initiatives, allowing them to refine strategies and interventions for disease elimination.
The financial commitment comes at an opportune time. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently emphasized the need for intensified global efforts to tackle neglected diseases. These diseases, though preventable and treatable, often plague low-income communities and lack the same level of research and development funding compared to more prominent illnesses.
Reaching the Last Mile's contribution to GLIDE is a significant step forward in the fight against neglected diseases. The UAE's philanthropic initiative serves as a powerful example for other nations and organizations to prioritize global health and work collaboratively towards a disease-free future for all.