Abu Dhabi: Reaching the Last Mile, a collection of global health initiatives funded by President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s philanthropy, has pledged AED55 million ($14 million) to the Global Institute for Disease Elimination (GLIDE). This marks the second commitment since the Institute’s establishment in 2019.
A signing ceremony was held in conjunction with the announcement during the AVPN Global Conference 2024, which is being hosted in Abu Dhabi under the auspices of the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council Chair, H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The grant affirms that Reaching the Last Mile supports GLIDE’s goal of realizing a world free from infectious diseases that can be prevented and of accelerating the process of eliminating and eradicating disease.
The CEO of Reaching the Last Mile, Nassar Al Mubarak, stated that, “This grant reflects Reaching the Last Mile’s ongoing commitment to improving global health outcomes and to advancing the elimination of infectious diseases that continue to impact the world’s most vulnerable communities under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed.”
“In strengthening the local ecosystem, this partnership helps affirm Abu Dhabi as a leading contributor to efforts to combat preventable disease and an epicentre for global health progress, innovation and collaboration,” Al Mubarak added.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed launched GLIDE in 2019 to accelerate the eradication of infectious diseases that may be prevented, including polio, malaria, and the neglected tropical illnesses lymphatic filariasis and river blindness.
Building technical experience and knowledge within Abu Dhabi and utilizing the emirate’s unique situation to better connect endemic countries with worldwide partners, the Institute represented a crucial addition to the global health industry.