In a significant global effort to eradicate polio, a high-profile event held in Abu Dhabi resulted in international commitments totaling $1.9 billion. This vital funding aims to close the resource gap in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) and ensure that essential vaccinations reach millions of vulnerable children worldwide. The pledges made during this gathering underscore a united front in the fight against polio and reflect a commitment to strengthening health systems across affected regions.
$140 Million Pledge from the Mohamed Bin Zayed Humanitarian Foundation
Abu Dhabi recently hosted a distinguished event that brought together international leaders and prominent stakeholders in the healthcare sector. During this gathering, a collective commitment of $1.9 billion was announced to support global efforts aimed at eradicating polio. This substantial figure includes approximately $1.2 billion in new funding, which is crucial for closing the remaining resource gap in the GPEI’s strategy for the period 2022-2029, leaving only $440 million to be secured. The initiative seeks to accelerate efforts to vaccinate 370 million children annually while enhancing health systems in affected countries.
This global commitment was unveiled at the event titled “Investing in Humanity: United to End Polio,” hosted by the Mohamed Bin Zayed Humanitarian Foundation in partnership with the Global Polio Eradication Initiative as part of the Abu Dhabi Financial Week. The event featured high-profile attendees, including Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Mohamed Bin Zayed Humanitarian Foundation; Ahsen Iqbal Chaudhry, Pakistan’s Minister for Planning and Development; Bill Gates of the Gates Foundation; and Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization, alongside other international leaders from governments and private sectors.
Key Contributions Announced
At the event, several countries and donor organizations made significant pledges, contributing notably to the $1.9 billion commitment. These contributions included $1.2 billion from the Gates Foundation, $140 million from the Mohamed Bin Zayed Humanitarian Foundation, $450 million from Rotary International, and $100 million from Bloomberg Philanthropies. Other notable commitments included $154 million from Pakistan, $62 million from Germany, and $46 million from the United States, as well as lesser amounts from Japan, IFANCA, and Luxembourg.
The Urgency of Action
During the announcement, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated, “We are on the brink of a historic achievement for humanity by eradicating polio. But accomplishing this task requires intensified efforts from all parties.” The support declared in Abu Dhabi will play a pivotal role in reaching every child in endemic countries and halting the spread of variants globally.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has been a prominent global leader in supporting the fight against polio, having provided over $525 million since 2011 to this crucial cause. His efforts have focused on rallying international action and resources while highlighting the urgent need to expedite eradication efforts. Through the UAE’s vaccination campaign, over 850 million doses have been administered to children in Pakistan since 2014, particularly targeting remote and hard-to-reach communities.
A Glimpse into the Future
The event marked the third pledge moment hosted in Abu Dhabi, following conferences in 2013 and 2019, which collectively generated $6.6 billion for global eradication efforts. As Sheikh Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the Mohamed Bin Zayed Humanitarian Foundation, articulated, “The pledges announced today embody our shared resolve to eradicate polio and strengthen health systems, ensuring every child is protected from this preventable disease.”
Currently, wild poliovirus remains endemic in only two countries—Afghanistan and Pakistan. Nonetheless, the threat of variant outbreaks continues to endanger children worldwide. The renewed commitments underscore the international community’s dedication to completing the mission and safeguarding future generations from a disease that once paralyzed thousands of children daily across 125 countries.
Successfully eradicating polio would mark the second human disease to be eradicated in history following smallpox and is projected to save the world over $33 billion by 2100 compared to ongoing outbreak response efforts. Bill Gates emphasized the collective potential, stating, “The fight against polio illustrates what the world can achieve when it unites around a common goal. We have come 99.9% of the way, but reaching the finish line requires the same determination that brought us this far.” He reiterated that the new funding will be instrumental in completing the mission and reinforcing health systems that protect children from this disease forever.
Bloomberg Philanthropies has been a key partner in the global eradication efforts for over a decade, having invested $325 million to support this cause. Michael R. Bloomberg, the founder of Bloomberg LP and the philanthropic organization, underscored the significance of the shared efforts, stating, “Bloomberg Philanthropies has worked with the Gates Foundation for over ten years to eradicate polio, and we are now on the threshold of a historic achievement. This new support of $100 million will significantly advance our goal and protect more people from the devastating effects of this disease.”