Mohamed Bin Zayed Foundation And Gates Foundation Call For Urgent Action As Child Deaths Rise For First Time In A Century
At the Goalkeepers Abu Dhabi event, leaders from various sectors urged swift action to improve child survival rates, reduce preventable maternal deaths, and eliminate infectious diseases. This call was backed by a commitment of US$1.9 billion towards polio eradication, announced during Abu Dhabi Finance Week. The Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity pledged $140 million, highlighting its dedication to combating preventable diseases and fostering global health resilience.
The gathering, co-hosted by the Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity and the Gates Foundation, attracted over 500 global leaders and influencers. They emphasised the urgent need to address rising child mortality rates, prevent maternal deaths, and eradicate diseases like polio. New data from the Gates Foundation’s 2025 Goalkeepers Report indicated a potential increase in child mortality under five years old for the first time in a century.
The pledging moment brought together nations, philanthropic organisations, and development partners to reaffirm their commitment to ending polio. Of the total $1.9 billion pledged, around $1.2 billion is allocated to support the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. This funding aims to vaccinate 370 million children annually against polio while strengthening health systems in affected regions to combat other preventable diseases.
With polio almost entirely eradicated at 99 percent, leaders highlighted that closing this final gap is crucial. Dr. Shamma Khalifa Al Mazrouei stated, "Polio eradication is within reach and today’s generous pledges bring us closer than ever to this goal." She emphasised that coordinated global efforts can overcome even the most challenging diseases.
The pledges underscore a growing understanding that investing strategically in human health yields significant returns even amidst global fiscal challenges. A large portion of the funds will focus on child survival initiatives: enhancing vaccine access, safeguarding newborns, and maintaining essential immunisation programmes in fragile settings.
Bill Gates remarked on the importance of these efforts: "Far too many children are still dying from diseases we know how to prevent." He stressed that existing tools like vaccines and treatments must reach those who need them most. The support announced will bolster these initiatives and help maintain progress towards eradicating polio permanently.
Leadership and Recognition
President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has personally contributed $525 million since 2011 towards polio eradication efforts, facilitating vaccinations for over 400 million children annually. This year’s Goalkeepers Abu Dhabi theme was "Imagine the Possible," highlighting achievements through courage, partnership, and innovation.
Significant moments included H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak receiving a Goalkeepers Lifetime Achievement Award for her unwavering support for women and children. H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan honoured her humanitarian contributions with an address acknowledging her legacy.
Inspiring Voices
The event featured host David Oyelowo guiding proceedings with urgency and purpose. CNN International's Becky Anderson facilitated discussions between Bill Gates and Reem Al Hashimy on stage. Ramesh Ferris shared his journey as a polio survivor advocating for eradication.
Performances by global changemakers highlighted personal stories of child survival and equity challenges faced worldwide. Adekunle Gold delivered a musical performance that inspired hope and resilience among attendees.
This collective effort demonstrated that progress is achievable when global commitments align with action.
With inputs from WAM
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