In an exciting closing round of the Formula 1 season, the global initiative to eradicate polio launched a new awareness campaign named “The Last Square” during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on December 7. This initiative marks a critical phase in the worldwide effort to completely eliminate polio. Drawing inspiration from the iconic checkered flag, a staple of racing, the “Last Square” campaign substitutes one of the black squares with a single red square, symbolizing the remaining 0.1% of polio cases that have yet to be eradicated. Overcoming this small percentage signifies protection for every child globally against this debilitating disease.
A Collaborative Effort Against Polio
The campaign’s ambassadors, racing icons Amna Al Qubaisi and Mika Hakkinen, have been chosen due to their profound connection with the checkered flag, cultivated over many years on the racetrack. For both of them, the flag symbolizes more than just the end of a race; it embodies determination, resolve, and an unwavering spirit. Together, they have united to leverage their influence and voices, aiming to transform the “Last Square” message into a beacon of hope and collective will that leads to a pivotal finish line—the end of polio.
Short Films Featuring Racing Legends
As part of the campaign, Al Qubaisi and Hakkinen will appear in a series of short films reflecting on their experiences seeing the checkered flag at the end of a race, a potent symbol that carries special meaning for each of them. This association, which has signified decisive moments throughout their careers, lends new significance to the “Last Square” flag as it becomes the finish line in a vastly different competition—the race to eradicate polio once and for all.
Voices from the Track
UAE racing driver Amna Al Qubaisi expressed her pride, stating, “We have come a long way, and I am very proud of my country’s role in reaching this phase in the journey to eradicate polio. We are closer than ever to winning this race for children around the world.” Finnish former Formula 1 driver Mika Hakkinen also chimed in, reflecting on his racing career: “Polio is a cruel disease that affects the most vulnerable children worldwide. We are on the brink of completely ending it, but this last square reminds us of the 0.1% of cases we still need to stop.”
Renewed Commitment from the UAE
Following the exhilarating atmosphere at the Yas Marina Circuit during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Bill Gates, the chairman of the Gates Foundation and a key partner in the global polio eradication initiative, joined Amna Al Qubaisi at the Yas Kart Zone for a special race. The United Arab Emirates reaffirmed its leadership role in the global fight against polio with a new commitment announced during a pledging event hosted by the Mohammed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanitarian Impact, part of the Abu Dhabi Financial Week. This pledge marks a significant milestone in the country’s ongoing dedication to ending this disease permanently.