Bader Faris Al Hilali Formalizes Support for The Reach Campaign, Joining Effort to End River Blindness
Today 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.
Today he was hosted by HE Dr. Mohamed Ateeq Al-Falahi, Secretary-General of the Emirates Red Crescent Authority, for a formal signing ceremony at the offices of the Emirates Red Crescent.
The Reach Campaign, a first-of-its-kind fundraising initiative to end the Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) river blindness, launched earlier this month in the UAE. In partnership with forward-thinking individuals, 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.
Commenting on his commitment, Bader Faris Al Hilali said: “It gives me immense pride to support The Reach Campaign and join its noble goal to end river blindness. I am particularly pleased the campaign launched first in the UAE, further illustrating our culture of generosity and humanity. I look forward to seeing our community come together to tackle this urgent issue and help improve the lives of millions around the world.”
Commenting on the significance of such initiatives, HE Dr. Mohamed Ateeq Al-Falahi, Secretary-General of the Emirates Red Crescent Authority, said that the authority, led by HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Red Crescent, welcomes individuals and corporate initiatives in supporting the UAE’s humanitarian and developmental role globally. He said that His Highness always directs the ERC towards forging meaningful and constructive partnerships with all sectors of the local community, to unify efforts that realize the UAE and its leadership’s aspirations in reducing human suffering and empowering societies facing development challenges.
“We thank Mr. Al Hilali for his generous support of The Reach Campaign. It is only through the visionary leadership of individuals like himself that we will be able to create a true movement in the UAE and realize our goal to end river blindness.”
About The Reach Campaign
The Reach Campaign is an initiative to end river blindness. Over 200 million people worldwide require treatment for this disease, one of the leading causes of preventable blindness. Like many neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), river blindness disproportionately affects the world’s most vulnerable people, trapping their families in cycles of poverty. Proceeds from the campaign will go to the Reaching the Last Mile Fund (RLMF), which delivers prevention and treatment across 7 countries in Africa and the Middle East through the End Fund. RLMF is a 10-year, $100 million USD initiative launched in 2017 by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and several supporters.
In February 2020 the Campaign launched across the UAE with the theme “Give 2, Save 2”. The theme was inspired by the power of a small act – just 2 AED can provide the medicine and treatment to protect one person from river blindness, lymphatic filariasis and several other co-endemic diseases for the entire year.
The REACH Campaign has been made possible by the generous support of its corporate and brand supporters, including strategic partner Emirates Red Crescent; founding partners Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and Etihad Airlines; and supporting partners ADMM/Yas Marina Circuit, Aldar Properties PJSC, Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport, Flash Entertainment, Miral, and UAE Exchange.
More information can be found at www.reachtheend.org and across social media @reachtheendorg.