Global Leaders Pledge USD 1.9 Billion in Abu Dhabi to Eradicate Polio

Global leaders, philanthropists and international health organisations have pledged USD 1.9 billion to support worldwide efforts to eradicate polio at a major gathering in Abu Dhabi. The event was hosted by the Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity in partnership with the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI). The funding package includes roughly USD 1.2 billion in new commitments and is expected to close much of GPEI’s 2022–2029 financing gap. The money will be directed toward vaccination campaigns, outbreak response, surveillance systems and broader health-system strengthening in high-risk regions. Organisers estimate the funding will help protect around 370 million children each year. Major contributions came from a range of partners, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation with USD 1.2 billion, the Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation with USD 140 million, and Rotary International with USD 450 million. Additional commitments were made by national governments, philanthropic organisations and global institutions. Polio remains endemic in Afghanistan and Pakistan, with variant strains causing outbreaks in several other countries, underscoring continued global vulnerability. Health officials at the event said the renewed financial support could accelerate the final push to eliminate the disease and strengthen long-term health resilience in the process.