The UAE has helped vaccinate and immunise more than two million children since 2011 as part of its efforts with the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation Alliance.
Addressing the Half-Yearly Review Conference of Gavi in Stockholm, Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of Development and International Co-operation reiterated that the country has spared no effort in its support for humanitarian causes.
She praised Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, for engaging the UAE in the alliance, which is a public-private global health partnership founded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
According to Sheikha Lubna, Sheikh Mohammed pledged US$33 million (Dh121 million) from 2011 to 2013 to help curb the rates of child mortality as well as reduce the spread of diseases in Afghanistan. The last instalment of $10 million will be given at the end of this month, she said.
Sheikha Lubna also met the chief executive of the Gavi, Seth Berkeley, and discussed cooperation mechanisms between the UAE and the alliance.
Mr Berkeley hailed the initiatives of the UAE, noting that the members of alliance appreciate the invaluable contributions of the UAE.
newsdesk@thenational.ae
