UAE foundation pledges $125M to improve maternal, newborn survival in Africa
The Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity has announced the launch of an initiative to improve maternal and newborn survival in Africa with a grant of $125 million (around AED 459 million).
The organisation on Tuesday said the "Beginnings Fund" will work in partnership with African governments, national organisations, and experts to prevent over 300,000 deaths and enhance access to quality care for 34 million mothers and babies by 2030.
In collaboration with country-level implementation partners, the "Beginnings Fund" will operate in up to 10 countries - Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Lesotho, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe - and continue to pool and invest multi-year funding.
The initial commitment from its founding philanthropies is designed to catalyse further funding from new donors, ensuring long-term sustainability.
The Fund will focus on equipping facilities with a bundle of low-cost, evidence-based interventions.
A total of nearly $600 million was pledged alongside partners from the Children's Investment Fund Foundation, Delta Philanthropies, The ELMA Foundation, and Gates Foundation, with further funding from Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation, Patchwork Collective and others.
The announcement was made at Kanad Hospital in Al Ain, the first modern hospital to be established in Abu Dhabi.
Newborn deaths in the first month of life are the single biggest driver of mortality in sub-Saharan Africa, where 70 per cent of maternal deaths also occur. Most of these deaths are preventable with trained health workers providing essential care to mothers and babies.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of World Health Organisation, welcomed the launch of the "the Beginnings Fund" adding that it will help "end these preventable tragedies".
Even though the world has made tremendous progress in "reducing the number of maternal and child deaths in the last two decades" using "dedicated health workers and governments, backed by investment and technical know-how," he noted that "every seven seconds, a mother or baby dies a preventable death".
The Ethiopian Minister of Health, Dr. Mekdes Daba, said, "Mothers and newborns should not be dying from causes we know how to prevent".
"We all have a shared responsibility to build resilient and well-resourced health systems that can safeguard the life of every pregnant woman and newborn. With the right investments and innovations, countries around the world have succeeded in transforming maternal and newborn care. There is no reason that we cannot do the same.'
According to Mark Suzman, CEO of the Gates Foundation, despite researchers pioneering "remarkable new ways to keep mothers and their children alive and healthy", over the last decade.. "these solutions still aren't reaching the people who need them most".
Alice Kang'ethe, Chief Executive Officer of the Beginnings Fund, said that African governments, with support from philanthropic and bilateral organisations, are at the forefront of advancing maternal and newborn health and making groundbreaking innovations. The continent is making remarkable strides, but achieving lasting change requires collaborative action.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arabian Post
4 days ago
- Arabian Post
Drunk Elephant's Moisturiser Gains Popularity in UAE Amidst Recall Concerns
Drunk Elephant's Lala Retro Whipped Cream has become a sought-after skincare product in the UAE, particularly among consumers seeking effective hydration solutions. The cream's formulation, featuring a triple-ceramide blend and a mix of African oils, has garnered attention for its ability to provide long-lasting moisture and support the skin's barrier function. The product's appeal lies in its clean and cruelty-free formulation, free from fragrances and essential oils, making it suitable for sensitive skin types. Its airy, non-greasy texture allows for easy absorption, catering to the needs of individuals in the UAE's arid climate. However, the brand faced challenges when it voluntarily recalled certain batches of the Lala Retro Whipped Cream due to an ingredient mix-up during production. The recall was initiated after it was discovered that some products contained a surfactant not listed on the ingredient label, potentially leading to adverse skin reactions in sensitive individuals. Drunk Elephant promptly addressed the issue, offering full refunds or product exchanges to affected customers and emphasizing its commitment to product quality and customer satisfaction. Despite the recall, the product's popularity in the UAE remains strong, with consumers continuing to purchase it from various retailers, including Dubai Duty Free, Sephora, and online platforms like and The brand's transparency in handling the recall and its proactive measures to rectify the situation have helped maintain consumer trust.
Arabian Post
4 days ago
- Arabian Post
Nigeria Awards Bill Gates Third-Highest National Honour
President Bola Tinubu has bestowed Nigeria's third-highest national honour, the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic , on Bill Gates. The recognition acknowledges Gates's substantial philanthropic contributions to the country, particularly through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which has invested heavily in public health and agriculture sectors across Nigeria. The conferment took place during a formal ceremony in Abuja, underscoring the Nigerian government's appreciation for Gates's enduring commitment to tackling some of the country's most pressing challenges. The award is one of the highest civilian distinctions in Nigeria, given to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service and impact in their fields. Bill Gates's foundation has been deeply involved in Nigeria's healthcare system for over two decades, focusing on eradicating infectious diseases such as polio and malaria. Nigeria was declared free of wild poliovirus in 2020, a landmark achievement in which the Gates Foundation played a crucial role by funding vaccination drives and strengthening immunisation infrastructure. The foundation's partnership with the Nigerian government and global health agencies has also targeted maternal and child health, investing in initiatives to reduce mortality rates and improve healthcare delivery in underserved regions. ADVERTISEMENT Agriculture has been another cornerstone of Gates's philanthropic efforts in Nigeria. Recognising the sector's vital role in economic development and food security, the foundation has supported numerous programmes aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and innovation. These initiatives include funding research on climate-resilient crops and providing farmers with access to better seeds, technology, and market information. Such efforts have helped smallholder farmers increase yields and income, while also encouraging sustainable farming practices. President Tinubu, addressing the ceremony, highlighted that awarding Gates reflected Nigeria's gratitude for the substantial socio-economic benefits generated by the foundation's investments. The president described the honour as a symbol of the enduring partnership between Nigeria and the philanthropic community in advancing public welfare. Tinubu also emphasised the importance of sustained collaboration with private and non-governmental actors to accelerate development goals and improve living standards nationwide. Gates, who attended the ceremony virtually, expressed deep appreciation for the honour and reaffirmed his foundation's commitment to Nigeria. He reiterated the importance of investing in health and agriculture as foundations for economic growth and social stability. Gates pointed out that despite progress, challenges such as health system capacity and climate change effects on agriculture require ongoing attention and innovation. He pledged continued support for initiatives that empower communities and foster resilience. Analysts note that Nigeria's decision to honour Gates highlights a broader trend of recognising global philanthropic leaders whose work transcends borders. The Nigerian government has increasingly embraced public-private partnerships to address systemic issues, acknowledging that complex challenges demand diverse resources and expertise. This honour may also encourage other international donors and investors to intensify their engagement with Nigeria, given the country's critical position in Africa's economy and demographic landscape. However, the move has not been without critics. Some voices within Nigeria argue that such awards should prioritise domestic actors and public servants who have directly contributed to national progress. Critics also caution that foreign philanthropic efforts, while beneficial, must align closely with national priorities and be subject to transparent oversight to ensure long-term impact. Despite these concerns, the overall response to Gates's recognition has been largely positive, reflecting a consensus on the value of his foundation's work. ADVERTISEMENT The Gates Foundation's investments in Nigeria are part of a global portfolio that addresses health, poverty, and education, with a growing focus on innovation and technology. Nigeria remains a key beneficiary due to its large population and development needs. The foundation's work complements efforts by other international agencies and governments, creating a multifaceted support network for Nigeria's socio-economic advancement. Nigeria faces persistent challenges in health and agriculture, with disease burdens and food insecurity impacting millions. The government has prioritised reforms and increased budget allocations in these sectors, but resource gaps remain significant. Philanthropic contributions, such as those from the Gates Foundation, provide critical supplementary funding and expertise. The recent honour on Gates symbolises the appreciation of these contributions while signalling a desire for deeper engagement and partnership. Bill Gates's recognition coincides with Nigeria's strategic push to attract investment and innovation to drive sustainable development. It comes at a time when the country seeks to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, boost agricultural output, and improve overall resilience to climate and economic shocks. This award underscores the role that international philanthropic actors play in complementing state efforts and fostering global cooperation on development challenges.
Gulf Today
5 days ago
- Gulf Today
Court jails 2 for abusing drugs at Dubai Taxi labour accommodation
Dubai Misdemeanour Court sentenced two Asian nationals to three months in jail, to be followed by deportation, and banned them from transferring or depositing any funds to others, either personally or through intermediaries, without prior approval from the Central Bank of the UAE, in coordination with the Ministry of Interior. The ban will remain in effect for two years after the completion of their sentence. The suspects were charged with abusing narcotics in a labour accommodation. The incident dates back to January 2025 when a supervisor at a Dubai Taxi labour accommodation filed a report stating that during a routine inspection, he found the two suspects in their room consuming a substance suspected to be narcotics, appearing in an abnormal state. He added that one of the suspects admitted their coworker had provided the substance for Dhs10 so both were detained, and the police were notified. A policeman stated in the interrogations that the suspects were arrested, and a cigarette containing a suspected narcotic substance was found in their possession. They were reportedly taken to the General Directorate of Anti-Narcotics, where samples were collected and sent to the Dubai Police Forensic Laboratory for analysis. Lab results affirmed that the seized substance was a dried herbal narcotic listed in the drug schedule, which had been stuffed into a cigarette. Additionally, the suspects' samples tested positive for narcotics. The first suspect claimed the substance belonged to the second, who confessed that another coworker, who was later arrested and tried, had supplied the narcotic for Dhs10, after he asked him to collect the substance from an African national.
