A forward-thinking project aimed at ensuring millions of needy people across the globe have access to clean drinking water has won an Abu Dhabi-backed prize.
Enterprising firm Faircap has designed a set of affordable water purification devices which can be fitted in a plastic bottle in order to filter out sediments and bacteria and can be reused hundreds of times.
It is hoped the innovative product will reduce the risk of diseases in emergency relief situations, in refugee camps and poverty-hit areas.
The Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court announced the scheme as the winner of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) 'Solve Innovating Together for Healthy Cities Prize', selected at the Solve Challenge Finals live pitch event, which attracted entrants from all over the world.
The event was held in New York this week, as the UN General Assembly gathered in the American city.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, has pledged his support to the prize as part of his commitment to eliminating preventable diseases affecting the poorest and vulnerable communities on the planet.
Mauricio Cordova, founder of Faircap, said receiving the award is a boost for its plans going forward.
"We are incredibly grateful for this prize and hugely appreciate Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed’s commitment to and support of collaborative innovation," said Mr Cordova.
"Winning will help us facilitate the expansion of our product range as we strive to bring Faircap to millions of people."
Nassar Abdul Raouf Al Mubarak, director of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court, said the award winners can help bring about "real change".
"Faircap Clean Water, the recipient of the Innovating for Healthy Cities Prize, embodies the creativity needed to secure safe and healthy urban environments and make a significant social impact," said Mr Al Mubarak.
"This prize aligns with a broader commitment to global health and poverty alleviation. Everyone has a right to live a healthy and dignified life."
Mr Al Mubarak said the award was integral to the UAE's efforts to combat preventable diseases, central to which is an upcoming global health forum in the UAE capital.
More than 250 experts drawn from the public and private sector, philanthropists and academics, will descend on Abu Dhabi in November for the second Reaching the Last Mile Forum.
Delegates will discuss efforts to eradicate infectious diseases affecting people all over the world.
The biennial event is being held under the patronage of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed in partnership with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
The one-day forum, to be held on November 19, will include interactive sessions, talks and workshops which will celebrate projects which have successfully combated diseases and explore the use of vaccines, technology and public-private partnerships to improve health.
"To catalyse real change, innovative and fresh thinking is required,' said Mr Al Mubarak.
"The biennial Reaching the Last Mile Forum will convene global health leaders in Abu Dhabi this November to share insights and best practices on how to accelerate the pace and reach the last mile of disease elimination faster. "
Since 2011, the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince has pledged more than $250 million to global efforts to eliminate deadly and debilitating diseases.
