Gates and Bin Zayed Foundations Call for Urgent Action as Child Deaths Surge for the First Time in a Century
At the recently held Goalkeepers conference in Abu Dhabi, global leaders from diverse backgrounds—government, philanthropy, and civil society—gathered to address a concerning trend: rising child mortality rates expected for the first time in a century. The meeting emphasized the urgent need for innovative solutions and renewed investments to protect vulnerable children and eradicate preventable diseases.
The Gates Foundation and the Mohamed Bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity hosted this pivotal event, which saw the announcement of $1.9 billion in funding aimed at bolstering efforts against polio and other infectious diseases. This impressive sum will help ensure that approximately 370 million children receive essential vaccines each year, aiming to create a healthier future for the next generation.
Bill Gates, co-chair of the Gates Foundation, expressed deep concern over the rising rates of child deaths, stating, "Too many children are still dying from diseases we know how to prevent. The tools exist—vaccines, treatments, and proven delivery strategies—and nations are making diligent efforts to ensure these resources reach those in dire need."
The commitment made during the conference reflects a growing recognition that strategic investments in health produce unmatched outcomes, especially in a tight global budget. Gates pledged that his organization would contribute about $1.2 billion to ramp up these efforts, along with initiatives to strengthen worldwide health systems to safeguard children from other preventable ailments.
During the event, which gathered over 500 international leaders, the collective message was clear: timely action is essential to reverse the alarming trend of increasing infant mortality, to terminate preventable maternal deaths, and to complete the fight against diseases that can be eradicated, notably polio.
New data from the Gates Foundation's Goalkeepers Report revealed that the number of children dying before the age of five is on an upward trajectory, urging leaders to make bold choices and renew their funding commitments to achieve life-saving innovations by 2045.
During the Goalkeepers Abu Dhabi event, key moments included powerful speeches from leaders emphasizing the importance of global collaboration. One highlight was an inspiring address by Dr. Shamma Khalifa Al Mazrouei, the director-general of the Mohamed Bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity, who stated, "Polio eradication is within reach, and today’s generous pledges bring us closer to that goal."
The concerted effort at Goalkeepers aimed to unite influential figures and organizations in their fight against polio, with significant financial contributions designed to close funding gaps and extend vaccination efforts in fragile and conflict-affected regions.
Under the leadership of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE has taken considerable steps toward improving child health, with personal commitments amounting to $525 million since 2011 to combat polio, ensuring that more than 400 million children are vaccinated annually.
Themed 'Imagine the Possible,' this year's conference highlighted the potential for groundbreaking results from courage, partnerships, and innovation. Keynote experiences included stories from health advocates and experts that reinforced the progress achievable through collective action.
It is clear: the time for action is now. With a determined global coalition aiming for zero child deaths from preventable causes, the path ahead is indeed one of hope, possibility, and profound human impact.
The Gates Foundation and the Mohamed Bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity hosted this pivotal event, which saw the announcement of $1.9 billion in funding aimed at bolstering efforts against polio and other infectious diseases. This impressive sum will help ensure that approximately 370 million children receive essential vaccines each year, aiming to create a healthier future for the next generation.
Bill Gates, co-chair of the Gates Foundation, expressed deep concern over the rising rates of child deaths, stating, "Too many children are still dying from diseases we know how to prevent. The tools exist—vaccines, treatments, and proven delivery strategies—and nations are making diligent efforts to ensure these resources reach those in dire need."
The commitment made during the conference reflects a growing recognition that strategic investments in health produce unmatched outcomes, especially in a tight global budget. Gates pledged that his organization would contribute about $1.2 billion to ramp up these efforts, along with initiatives to strengthen worldwide health systems to safeguard children from other preventable ailments.
During the event, which gathered over 500 international leaders, the collective message was clear: timely action is essential to reverse the alarming trend of increasing infant mortality, to terminate preventable maternal deaths, and to complete the fight against diseases that can be eradicated, notably polio.
New data from the Gates Foundation's Goalkeepers Report revealed that the number of children dying before the age of five is on an upward trajectory, urging leaders to make bold choices and renew their funding commitments to achieve life-saving innovations by 2045.
During the Goalkeepers Abu Dhabi event, key moments included powerful speeches from leaders emphasizing the importance of global collaboration. One highlight was an inspiring address by Dr. Shamma Khalifa Al Mazrouei, the director-general of the Mohamed Bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity, who stated, "Polio eradication is within reach, and today’s generous pledges bring us closer to that goal."
The concerted effort at Goalkeepers aimed to unite influential figures and organizations in their fight against polio, with significant financial contributions designed to close funding gaps and extend vaccination efforts in fragile and conflict-affected regions.
Under the leadership of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE has taken considerable steps toward improving child health, with personal commitments amounting to $525 million since 2011 to combat polio, ensuring that more than 400 million children are vaccinated annually.
Themed 'Imagine the Possible,' this year's conference highlighted the potential for groundbreaking results from courage, partnerships, and innovation. Keynote experiences included stories from health advocates and experts that reinforced the progress achievable through collective action.
It is clear: the time for action is now. With a determined global coalition aiming for zero child deaths from preventable causes, the path ahead is indeed one of hope, possibility, and profound human impact.
Topics Health）
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