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A Legacy of Life: UAE-Led Global Initiative Launches $600 Million Fund to Save Mothers and Newborns in Africa
In a powerful show of international solidarity and humanitarian vision, the Mohammed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanitarian Impact, in collaboration with key global partners, has officially launched the “Startups Fund”—a landmark initiative made to change maternal and newborn health across Africa. The announcement took place in the distinguished presence of His Highness Sheikh Dyab bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the Presidential Council for Development Affairs and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Erth Zayeb Al-Insani Foundation.
With a goal to prevent over 300,000 preventable deaths and deliver quality healthcare to 34 million mothers and newborns across Sub-Saharan Africa by 2030, this initiative reflects the UAE’s growing influence in global humanitarian leadership.
A High-Level Gathering for a Higher Purpose
Joining Sheikh Dyab at the launch ceremony were dignitaries and change-makers from UAE and Africa. The event wasn’t just a ceremonial gesture—it marked a bold, practical shift in global health equity.
Empowering Innovation for Health
With $600 million in joint charitable commitments, the Startups Fund aims to channel financial and technical support to bold, scalable innovations that can meaningfully address the causes of maternal and neonatal mortality. From remote health monitoring solutions to community-driven prenatal care programs, the initiative focuses on sustainable impact and lasting change.
Of the total, $100 million will go directly toward programs promoting safe childbirth and maternal wellbeing, while the Mohammed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanitarian Impact has committed a generous $125 million to fund the initiative.
A Global Network of Support
This ambitious mission is backed by an alliance of world-renowned philanthropies including:
– Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF)
-Delta Philanthropies
-ELMA Foundation
-Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
As well as support from organizations such as the Horace W. Smith Foundation and Patchwork Collective
Each partner brings a unique strength—from funding to on-the-ground implementation—ensuring the initiative moves from vision to real-world transformation.
Hope, Health, and a Future for All
As Africa continues to face some of the highest maternal and infant mortality rates in the world, the UAE-led Startups Fund offers more than aid—it offers hope. It’s a model of how innovation, partnership, and vision can create ripple effects of progress across continents.
This historic launch emphasizes the UAE’s commitment to not only respond to global humanitarian challenges but to lead them—with compassion, strategy, and impact.
