A recent report from the World Health Organisation (WHO) noted that incidence of polio has been largely eradicated worldwide. Large-scale vaccination programmes work and are effective, commented a UAE daily.
On Wednesday, His Highness General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, teamed up with Microsoft founder Bill Gates to announce the donation of $100 million (Dh367 million) to be used to provide vaccinations for children in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
The partnership between the UAE and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation commits $50 million from each partner for vaccines for children there, children vulnerable to contracting polio, pneumonia, diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, hepatitis B and the bacteria that causes meningitis. With 160,000 living in camps, the threat of disease is real in Pakistan. Indeed, the two are countries where polio transmission has never been stopped.
“This generous donation from the UAE and Bill and Melinda Gates will ensure that five million children in Afghanistan are immunised. The funds will help WHO and Unicef workers reach 35 million with the polio vaccine.
The UAE has a long and proud history of reaching out beyond its borders, touching the hearts and health of those in need. This visionary joint partnership continues that humanitarian mission”, said Gulf News in its today’s editorial.
WAM