Gates Foundation and Mohamed Bin Zayed Foundation Unite to Combat Rising Child Mortality Worldwide

Global Leaders Take Action Against Rising Child Mortality

In an unprecedented call to action, the Gates Foundation, in collaboration with the Mohamed Bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity, mobilized global leaders during the recent Goalkeepers Abu Dhabi event. This united front comes as stark data reveals that, for the first time in a century, child mortality rates are projected to rise. The urgency of the situation has never been clearer, prompting a $1.9 billion commitment to combat child mortality and eradicate polio.

During the event, held at Abu Dhabi Finance Week, influential figures from governments, philanthropy, and civil society gathered to address this critical turning point. They collectively insisted on the need for immediate action to halt the alarming increase in child deaths and preventable diseases. With over 500 leaders from various sectors, the message echoed in unison that the time to act is now.

Recent findings from the Gates Foundation’s '2025 Goalkeepers Report' serve as a wake-up call, highlighting a significant uptick in child mortality rates, a reversal of decades of progress. As nations grapple with shocks from the pandemic and economic challenges, this deterioration in child health outcomes underscores the necessity for renewed investments in healthcare and innovative solutions.

The event spotlighted the significant $1.9 billion pledge to polio eradication, including $1.2 billion from the Gates Foundation itself. This funding aims to strengthen healthcare systems in countries where children are most vulnerable, ensuring they receive vital vaccinations not just against polio but also against other preventable diseases. By reaching out to 370 million children annually, this initiative seeks to maintain momentum in the global fight against childhood diseases.

Bill Gates, chair of the Gates Foundation, emphasized that while preventable diseases still claim the lives of far too many children, the resources and strategies are available to change this reality. He stated, “The funds are there. Vaccines, treatments, and proven delivery mechanisms exist, but we need to ensure they reach those most in need.”

The substantial financial commitments made during this gathering reflect an increasing acknowledgment of the long-term benefits of investing in human health, even amidst a challenging global financial context. Notably, a considerable portion of the funds is designated for life-saving interventions, expanding vaccination access, and maintaining essential immunization programs in fragile and conflict-affected regions.

As leaders underscored, polio is now 99.9% eradicated, but closing the remaining gap is imperative—not only as a moral obligation but also as proof that collaborative international efforts can triumph over even the gravest of health challenges.

Dr. Shamma Khalifa Al Mazrouei, acting Director-General of the Mohamed Bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity remarked, “With today's generous pledges, we are closer than ever to ending polio. The Goalkeepers Abu Dhabi event underscores what is possible when nations and donors unite in action.”

Under the leadership of His Highness Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the foundation's commitment to accelerating progress toward a healthier future remains steadfast, having personally contributed $525 million to polio eradication since 2011. This initiative has enabled the vaccination of over 400 million children each year, a testament to the power of leadership and collaboration.

The theme of this year's Goalkeepers event, 'Imagine the Possible,' highlights the incredible achievements possible when courage, partnership, and innovation flourish. Significant moments from the event included tributes to women's contributions to health leadership and updates from global changemakers advocating for child survival.

Global calls for action were met with hope, encapsulated in poignant stories shared by those who benefited from vaccination efforts, along with stirring performances by artists who emphasized resilience and hope.

In summary, the Goalkeepers Abu Dhabi event emerged as a landmark occasion that not only mobilized financial support for critical health initiatives but also reignited commitment to safeguarding the lives of children worldwide against preventable diseases. It sends a powerful message: when the global community acts in unison, a future free from polio and other preventable deaths is within reach.