Keep up with the latest news and updates from Reaching the Last Mile and our partners
41 Funders, Partners Endorse New Guiding Principles for Financing Climate and Health Solutions to Protect Health
Guiding Principles respond to low- and middle-income countries’ calls to mobilize finance to save lives now and in the future as the climate crisis threatens global health
Global donors pledge over $777 million to help defeat neglected tropical diseases
Landmark pledging moment sees countries and donors unite to combat NTDs and help improve the lives of the 1.6 billion people worldwide affected by these devastating yet preventable diseases
Reaching the Last Mile welcomes collective commitment to boost support to community health workers
Announced at the Reaching the Last Mile Forum during COP28 Health Day, a coalition of partners renewed their commitment to bolster community health worker programs and bring preventable diseases to an end. This collective effort underscores the pivotal role of community health workers in delivering health for all.
His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan meets Pakistan’s frontline polio health workers to mark World Polio Day
Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed reaffirms the UAE’s resolve to help eradicate polio, working hand-in-hand with global partners.
Forecasting Healthy Futures Hosts Inaugural Summit on Climate & Health
Nearly 200 leaders in the global health, climate and technology community convene to address proactive solutions and substantial financing for climate-adaptive strategies ahead of COP28.
New Funding Models Crucial To Driving Climate Adaptation Efforts, Say Experts At Day Two Of Forecasting Healthy Futures Global Summit
Climate, health, and philanthropy leaders highlighted the need for new funding models and partnerships to safeguard global health gains and vulnerable communities.
FHF Global Summit Spotlights Climate-Health Crisis As Experts Ready For Roadmap To Cop28
The event brings together leading health experts and professionals from around the world to discuss ways of tackling challenges posed by climate change ahead of COP28.
On World NTD Day, Reaching the Last Mile joins with governments and partners to lead global call for collective action and investment to end neglected tropical diseases
Global health and government leaders, together with key members of civil society, convened to eliminate neglected tropical diseases globally on World NTD Day
Reaching the Last Mile and Speak Up Africa launch initiative to mobilize youth leaders in support of efforts to eliminate neglected tropical diseases (NTDS) in Africa
Reaching the Last Mile joined hands with Speak Up Africa to launch the youth leadership initiative, a program to mobilize youth-led organizations to take the lead in eliminating NTDs in Africa.
Malaria No More and Reaching the Last Mile Announce Expansion of Climate & Health Initiative with a new $5 million grant
Malaria No More announced the expansion of its climate and health initiative, Forecasting Healthy Futures, through a new 3-year, US$5 million award from the Reaching the Last Mile initiative
Uae Signs Kigali Declaration In Rwanda Reaffirming Commitment To End Ntds
UAE reaffirms its commitment to invest in strategic programs and forge partnerships that can accelerate elimination of neglected tropical diseases and malaria
Helmsley Charitable Trust Announces Catalytic Investment to Eliminate Two Neglected Tropical Diseases in East Africa
Investment in the Reaching the Last Mile Fund, led by the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court and administered by the END Fund, comes in the leadup to the Kigali Summit on Malaria and NTDs
Eight Nations Pledge To Eradicate Guinea Worm Disease
High-ranking representatives of eight countries pledged to devote all the resources needed to interrupt transmission of Guinea worm disease and certify its eradication by 2030. Ministers and dignitaries endorsed the Abu Dhabi Declaration on the Eradication of Guinea Worm Disease, reaffirming actions to ensure the neglected tropical disease becomes the first human disease to be eradicated since smallpox in 1980.
Harvard Stem Cell Institute Receives Grant from His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan to Help Advance Type 1 Diabetes Research
The Harvard Stem Cell Institute has been given a grant by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces to advance research into Type 1 diabetes. The grant given to the Douglas Melton Laboratory at the prestigious Ivy League university will help fund research into beta-cell replacement therapy, which is at the forefront of potential cures for Type 1 diabetes.
100 Landmarks Across the World Light Up in Unity to Raise Awareness to End Neglected Tropical Diseases On World NTD Day 2022
100 landmarks in 32 countries lit up in unity to mark the third annual World NTD Day on January 30, 2022 including The Bell Tower in Perth, Tokyo Tower, Great Wall of China, New Delhi Railway Station, Sheikh Zayed Bridge in Abu Dhabi, Expo 2020 Dubai, Kenyatta International Convention Centre, The Rome Colosseum, Jet d' Eau, Niagara Falls, CN Tower, Jimmy Carter Presidential Library, and Christ the Redeemer. Originally announced in Abu Dhabi in 2019, the 100 'light ups' aim to shine a light on neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), as World NTD Day supports the goal of the World Health Organization (WHO) to eliminate at least one NTD from 100 endemic countries by 2030. World NTD Day is a global movement that aims to galvanize the global health community and engage the public in the urgent effort to end NTDs.
New Institute for Malaria and Climate Solutions Launched By Malaria No More in Partnership with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court and Reaching the Last Mile
Malaria No More, in partnership with the Crown Prince Court of Abu Dhabi (CPC) and the Reaching the Last Mile program today announced the launch of a new global institute with the mission to combat malaria in the face of climate change and weather volatility. The new Institute for Malaria and Climate Solutions (IMACS) is a virtual center of excellence advancing multidisciplinary approaches to malaria strategies informed by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and climate data, while supporting their adoption by malaria control programs around the world.
Niger Poised to be First Country in Africa to Eliminate River Blindness
Niger has completed the necessary evaluations in line with guidelines from the World Health Organisation (WHO) to certify the elimination of onchocerciasis (commonly known as river blindness), unlocking billions for the country’s economy over the last several decades. It was announced at Expo 2020 Dubai that Niger is preparing the requisite paperwork for WHO verification and pending certification, and the country is now poised to be the first in Africa to declare it has eliminated the NTD - a feat once considered impossible. After over 40 years of work to control or eliminate river blindness in West Africa, the achievement in Niger provides a proof of concept that elimination is possible, not just in West Africa but across the entire continent.
The United Arab Emirates Strengthens Commitment to Countering Chronic Malnutrition Globally Through New UN Partnership
Global Program Created by UN Women, UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), the Government of France, and Reaching the Last Mile (RLM), a Portfolio of Global Health Programs Driven by a Commitment of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed
New Report Spells Out Double Dividend for Accelerating Ending Malaria and Advancing Gender Equality
The fight against malaria can no longer be gender blind, contends a new report, “Achieving a Double Dividend: The Case for Investing in a Gendered Approach to the Fight Against Malaria,” launched on the eve of the Generation Equality Forum. The effort was co-led by Malaria No More and the RBM Partnership to End Malaria, which is financially supported by Reaching the Last Mile.
Malaria No More Launches India Interagency Expert Committee on Malaria and Climate to Accelerate Progress toward Malaria Elimination
Malaria No More, a non-governmental organization, collaborates with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in creating a multi-disciplinary India Interagency Expert Committee on Malaria and Climate (IEC) to explore and advance climate-based solutions for accelerating malaria elimination in India.
UAE Successful in Spearheading Effort to Add World NTD Day to the Official Global Calendar, as World Health Assembly Grants Official Recognition
On May 27th, delegates at the seventy-fourth World Health Assembly endorsed adding World NTD Day to the World Health Organization’s official global calendar.
January 30th to Mark the Second Annual World NTD Day
On January 30th, global civil society advocates, community leaders, global health experts, and policymakers will unite to mark the second annual World NTD Day.
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan Renews Commitment to Guinea Worm Disease Efforts Through Partnership with The Carter Center
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, has announced renewed financial support of $10M to the Carter Center, following the 30th anniversary of the organization’s partnership with the UAE. The collaboration will continue to work towards global health initiatives and the eradication of the NTD Guinea worm disease. The announcement was made in the lead-up to the second annual World NTD Day on January 30th, 2021, which aims to raise global awareness for the urgent need to end NTDs.
Crown Prince Court of Abu Dhabi Awards MIT Solve Prize For Maternal and Newborn Health to AI Startup, Ubenwa Health
Ubenwa's machine-learning technology saves newborn lives by detecting early signs of birth asphyxia.
Emirates Polio Campaign Marks World Polio Day by Announcing the Campaign Has Administered Over 28 Million Vaccine Doses Between July and September 2020, Reaching Over 16 Million Children in Pakistan
As part of its recognition of World Polio Day, today the Emirates Polio Campaign (EPC) announced it administered over 28 million vaccine doses in Pakistan between July and September 2020, reaching over 16 million children.
Mid-Year Report 2020
The inaugural 2020 Reaching the Last Mile Mid-Year Report presents strategic updates, programmatic news and a look ahead to upcoming milestones. Reaching the Last Mile represents the philanthropic global health initiatives of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
With the support of Mohamed bin Zayed, Emirates Polio Campaign completes world’s first polio vaccination campaign since COVID-19 outbreak
As part of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces’ global initiative to eradicate polio, the UAE Pakistan Assistance Programme announced that the Emirates Polio Campaign successfully vaccinated 722,500 children in Pakistan between 20th-26th July, 2020. The initiative is considered the world's first polio vaccination campaign since the outbreak of COVID-19.
Reach Campaign Ramadan Challenge exceeds fundraising goal and raises over 2.8 Million Dirhams to Help End River Blindness
The Reach Campaign announced that its Ramadan Challenge exceeded an original fundraising goal of 2 million dirhams. The campaign raised more than 2.8 million dirhams during the Holy Month, which will provide preventative medication for 1.4 million people at risk of river blindness.
Abu Dhabi Media Joins the Reach Campaign as a Media Partner In Fight Against River Blindness
UAE’s leading public service broadcaster and media company Abu Dhabi Media (ADM) has formalized its commitment as a media partner of The Reach Campaign.
TikTok Joins The Reach Campaign as a Media Partner, Inspiring the Middle East Community to Take Part In Effort to End River Blindness
TikTok has joined The Reach Campaign as the latest media partner, bolstering efforts of the Ramadan Challenge, and committing to donate $2 for every video created on the app, to a maximum of $100,000.
The Reach Campaign launches Ramadan Challenge to Help End River Blindness
Today, the Reach Campaign kicks off the Ramadan Challenge, inspiring the UAE community to take part in raising attention and funds to save 1 million people from river blindness during the holy month.
The Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court Announces Health Workforce Innovation Prize as Part of MIT Solve’s Global Health Challenge
The Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court today announced its prize for this year’s MIT Solve 2020 Global Health Challenge. Solve, an initiative of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), advances innovative, entrepreneurial solutions to address the world’s most pressing challenges.
LuLu Group International Signs on as a Founding Partner of The Reach Campaign, Joining Effort to End River Blindness
LuLu Group International formalised their commitment as a founding partner of The Reach Campaign at a signing ceremony in Abu Dhabi. Held at the LuLu Hypermarket at Mushrif Mall, the ceremony was attended by HE Dr. Mohamed Ateeq Al-Falahi, Secretary-General of the Emirates Red Crescent Authority, Yusuff Ali M.A., Chairman and Managing Director of LuLu Group International, and Nassar Abdul Raouf Al Mubarak, Managing Director of the Reach Campaign.
“Forecasting Healthy Futures” Will Harness Weather Data to Help Defeat Mosquito-Borne Disease
A unique group of global health, technology and public sector organizations today launched Forecasting Healthy Futures to improve health outcomes and accelerate progress against deadly mosquito-borne diseases. The new initiative—convened by Malaria No More—will develop weather data-informed strategies and policies to help governments and partners better time and target effective health interventions in the face of changing weather patterns and an increase in the frequency of extreme weather events.
Bader Faris Al Hilali Formalizes Support for The Reach Campaign, Joining Effort to End River Blindness
Bader Faris Al Hilali, a UAE-based philanthropist, formalized his support of The Reach Campaign. His commitment of 10.5 million dirhams was first announced at the Reaching the Last Forum in Abu Dhabi this past November.
The Reach Campaign Invites the UAE Community to Unite and Work Towards an End to River Blindness
The Reach Campaign, a first-of-its-kind fundraising initiative to end the Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) river blindness, will launch this February in the UAE. In partnership with forward-thinking brands and corporations, The Reach Campaign takes an innovative approach to raising money to end the disease, while also educating the public about river blindness through strategic, targeted advocacy efforts.
Global leaders pledge US$ 2.6 Billion to eradicate polio at the Reaching the Last Mile Forum in Abu Dhabi
Global leaders convened at the RLM Forum to affirm their commitment to eradicate polio and pledge US$2.6 billion as part of the first phase of the funding needed to implement the Global Polio Eradication Initiative’s Polio Endgame Strategy 2019-2023
UAE calls on the global health community to advance progress towards Neglected Tropical Diseases
Several new initiatives aimed at ending NTD’s were announced today at the Reaching the Last Mile Forum, a gathering of the global health community under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
Opinion: How Human Innovation Shapes Global Health
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. Professor Peter Piot, director of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and REACH Award judge, discusses how health care breakthroughs have far-reaching effects in an interconnected world in addition to celebrating the achievements of on-the-ground innovators and local community workers by recognizing them through awards like the REACH award.
Investing in Frontline Health Workers
PROJECT SYNDICATE. Maha Barakat, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Health Authority, discusses the importance of investing in frontline health workers, how the world continues to underestimate their capabilities and contributions which in turn affects them and the communities they serve severely.
Opinion: Health Care Providers Risk Their Lives for Others. How Can we Care for Them?
DEVEX. Abdullah Khalifa Al Ghafli, Director of the UAE Pakistan Assistance Program, explains how the global community can best support frontline health workers, who are not only exposed to risks in being in close contact with infection and disease, but can also become entangled in political conflicts and even civil wars.
The Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court Announces Solver Prize Recipient Following MIT Solve Challenge Finals
The Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court today announced Faircap Clean Water as the recipient of the MIT Solve Innovating Together for Healthy Cities Prize, selected at the Solve Challenge Finals live pitch event in New York on Sunday.
Second Biennial Reaching the Last Mile Forum to Focus on ‘Accelerating The Pace’ in Infectious Disease Elimination
Over 250 prominent global health leaders will gather in Abu Dhabi on 19 November for the 2019 Reaching the Last Mile Forum, which will focus on "Accelerating the Pace" eliminate infectious diseases faster. The event will be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and in partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
UAE Permanent Mission to the UNOG Host Event in Geneva to Progress Critical Work Needed to Eradicate Polio
The Permanent Mission of the UAE to the United Nations Office in Geneva (UNOG) hosted an invitation-only event centered on polio eradication at the WHO Headquarters in Geneva yesterday.
UAE-Pakistan Assistance Programme: Polio to be Eradicated from Country by 2022
PAKISTAN TODAY. The government of UAE is determined to eradicate polio from Pakistan by the year 2022 through its initiative, the Emirates Polio Campaign. Latest figures show that the program has successfully vaccinated 71 million children since 2014.
Nominations Extended until 4 August for 2019 REACH Awards, Honoring Frontline Health Workers and Innovators in Disease Elimination
At the request of several partners and members of the public, we are pleased to announce that we have extended the nominations deadline to 4 August 2019. Nominations are now accepted in French and English and can be made in three categories..
Nominations Open for 2019 REACH Awards, Honoring Frontline Health Workers and Innovators in Disease Elimination
Awards established by Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and adjudicated by prominent global health leaders; recipients to be announced at Reaching the Last Mile Forum in November
The Polio Endgame Strategy 2019-2023
GPEI. In support of GPEI's Polio Endgame Strategy 2019-2023, GPEI will host a pledging event at the Reaching the Last Mile Forum in Abu Dhabi, with the support of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, a longtime champion of polio eradication.
UAE provides 371 million polio vaccines to Pakistani children
GULF NEWS. The UAE-Pakistan Assistance Programme launched a campaign as part of its efforts to eradicate polio in the world. The campaign administered 254.4 million doses of vaccines between 2014 and 2017 to 43 million Pakistani children.
ADNOC Marks World Polio Day with Display on Headquarters Building
THE NATIONAL. Abu Dhabi National Oil Company paid tribute to health workers around the world, battling to eradicate polio, with a video display marking World Polio Day on its headquarters building in the UAE capital.
98% of Poliomyelitis Eliminated in Pakistan, Says UAE-PAP Director
GULF NEWS. The UAE Pakistan Assistance Programme has succeeded in reducing the number of polio cases in Pakistan from 306 cases in 2014 to four cases in October 2018, a decrease of 98 per cent. His Highness Shaikh Mohammad donated $167 million for the efforts aimed at eradicating poliomyelitis and the provision of vaccines for children in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya and Sudan.
New Institute to combat Infectious Diseases
GULF NEWS. In collaboration with the Bill & Melinda Gates foundation, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince, announced the establishment of a state of the art institution for disease elimination. The institute will work with international partners and leverage Abu Dhabi’s unique talents and assets in the path towards eliminating infectious diseases.
Reaching the Last Mile: New $100M fund Announced in Abu Dhabi
THE NATIONAL. The Reaching the Last Mile Fund, announced at a major global summit in Abu Dhabi, will receive $20 million from Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, $20 million from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and $30 million from the British government. The fund aims to rid the world of two devastating infectious diseases.
New Awards Honor the Courage of those Fighting Some of the World’s Worst Diseases
THE NATIONAL. Recognizing Excellence around Champions of Health (REACH) Awards launched at the Reaching the Last Mile forum in Abu Dhabi and recognized 4 exemplary global health workers who have made outstanding contributions to fighting infectious diseases.
Abu Dhabi to Launch Campaign to Reach ‘Last Mile’ on Preventable Disease
DEVEX. The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi will host a Global Health Forum later this year that will serve as a “stepping out” for the United Arab Emirates’ role as a major player in eliminating neglected tropical disease. In partnership with Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Carter Center, the forum, will focus on as many as 20 NTDs and preventable diseases, including polio, malaria, Guinea worm, and river blindness.
Mohammad Contributes $5M to Combat Malaria
GULF NEWS. His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, announced his contributions to support action and progress in the battle against malaria. The funds will be provided over three years to the Roll Back Malaria Partnership (RBM), a global initiative for coordinated action against malaria.