The UAE is strengthening its leadership in the global battle against malaria through major humanitarian efforts, strategic funding, and innovation-driven programmes aimed at eradicating the disease worldwide.
Marking 28 years without a locally transmitted case, the UAE remains malaria-free since 1997. Yet the disease continues to threaten millions globally, with the World Health Organisation reporting 597,000 deaths and 263 million cases in 2023 alone.
On World Malaria Day, Dr. Farida Al Hosani of the Global Institute for Disease Elimination (GLIDE) reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to ending malaria. Backed by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, GLIDE champions research and evidence-based strategies to drive global elimination efforts.
Established in 2019, GLIDE has launched programmes across nearly 30 countries, tackling disease control challenges where health systems are often under-resourced.
In April 2024, the Last Mile Initiative announced a second grant of AED55 million to GLIDE, reinforcing the UAE’s investment in global health. The country’s ongoing support also includes partnerships with Malaria No More, Gavi, and the Roll Back Malaria Partnership.
The UAE’s efforts extend to climate-health intersections. Its Forecasting Healthy Futures initiative and the Institute for Malaria and Climate Solutions focus on the growing link between climate change and vector-borne diseases.
Domestically, the Ministry of Health and Prevention maintains a rigorous surveillance and prevention system to safeguard the population from imported cases.
With sustained funding, strategic global partnerships, and an unwavering focus on innovation, the UAE continues to play a vital role in the mission to eliminate malaria for good.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
