UAE Takes The Lead In Global Initiatives For A Malaria-Free Future

The UAE is leading global efforts to combat malaria, significantly contributing through humanitarian initiatives and financial support. The country has been free from locally transmitted malaria cases for 28 years, since 1997, and was declared malaria-free 18 years ago. Despite this achievement, malaria remains a global threat, causing 597,000 deaths worldwide in 2023 according to the World Health Organisation.

On World Malaria Day, observed every year on April 25th, Dr. Farida Al Hosani highlighted the ongoing challenge of malaria. She noted that in 2023, there were an estimated 263 million cases globally. Dr. Al Hosani serves as Deputy CEO of the Global Institute for Disease Elimination (GLIDE), which is part of the UAE’s commitment to fighting infectious diseases under President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's guidance.

GLIDE was established in 2019 and has played a crucial role in global health by launching numerous programmes across nearly 30 countries over six years. The institute focuses on research and innovation to shape global strategies with evidence-based policies and studies supporting disease eradication efforts.

Dr. Al Hosani emphasised the need for coordinated international actions to tackle malaria effectively. Many countries face challenges such as insufficient human resources and research capacity essential for treatment and prevention. GLIDE aims to address these issues through its initiatives.

The Last Mile Initiative, supported by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, announced a new AED55 million grant to GLIDE in April 2024. This marks the second grant since GLIDE's inception, reinforcing the UAE's dedication to eradicating infectious diseases globally.

The UAE continues to share its expertise and resources in global malaria control efforts. International health organisations have praised the country's contributions towards advancing malaria eradication through partnerships with Malaria No More, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and the Roll Back Malaria Partnership.

In 2020, the UAE launched Forecasting Healthy Futures (FHF) to accelerate combating mosquito-borne diseases like malaria. In January 2022, FHF established the Institute for Malaria and Climate Solutions (IMACS), focusing on addressing climate-related challenges impacting malaria control.

In early January 2023, Reaching the Last Mile initiative collaborated with Malaria No More and Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) to expand FHF through a three-year US$5 million grant. This expansion aims to enhance efforts against deadly mosquito-borne diseases globally.

Local Strategies for Disease Prevention

Domestically, the UAE implements a comprehensive strategy via its Ministry of Health and Prevention to safeguard society from communicable diseases. This includes a proactive preventive health system alongside an epidemiological surveillance programme designed to detect and manage cases entering the country efficiently.

The UAE’s sustained humanitarian efforts continue to bolster health programmes worldwide while collaborating with international partners. These initiatives reflect its unwavering commitment towards achieving a world free from malaria.

With inputs from WAM