Mohamed bin Zayed, Bill Gates honour champions

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, honoured at a ceremony held in Abu Dhabi this evening, five people who dedicated their lives to eradicate polio, with the Heroes of Polio Eradication (Hope) Award.

The award also aims to shed light on the efforts to eradicate polio despite difficult and dangerous conditions faced by those working towards this end.

Sheikh Mohamed said on this occasion, "There is hope to provide to the world's children equal life chances and access to treatment against chronic diseases and epidemics. This brings us together on this day to celebrate the efforts of a group of heroes who bring a glimmer of new hope to the faces of children worldwide."

He also stressed that the humanitarian community, more than ever before, needs to join the efforts to tackle diseases and epidemics, and find solutions to all the challenges that prevent people from accessing healthcare when they need it. "This is a humanitarian mission for the whole world."

Sheikh Mohamed said, "The UAE is committed to playing a pivotal role in the development of a humanitarian community, that being a genuine approach which characterises our nation since its inception, based on cooperation with all concerned parties and working as one team to eliminate all that affects human health, security and safety."

He added that given this approach, the UAE assumes a leading position in providing humanitarian assistance to all those in need around the world, noting that through enhanced cooperation with various bodies and international organisations, the country has contributed towards the eradication of serious diseases that threaten communities and the future of coming generations.

Sheikh Mohamed noted, "If we continue with this approach, we will make a bright future for our children."

He thanked Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for its continuous efforts to reach the most difficult areas in the world to provide assistance to the children, paint a smile on their faces and plant a hope for their future, away from the concerns of disability. Sheikh Mohamed praised those honoured for supporting the vaccination campaigns against polio and the successes they have achieved in this respect.

Sheikh Mohamed said, "We are continuing with the spirit of one team to eradicate this disease until the last child is cured. "It is the message of the UAE to the world. It is a message of hope and firm belief in the achievement of a bright future for all the children of the world. The children of the world are our children and their joy is the joy of all the children of the UAE."

Among others present were H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in the Western Region, Dr. Amal Abdullah Al Qubaisi, Speaker of the Federal National Council, H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Advisor, Vice President of the Executive Council of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Premier and Minister of Interior, H.H. Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chief of the Court of the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Department of Transport and a number of ministers and senior officials.

All those present stood up and observed a minute's silence during the award in honour of those who died during the fight against polio in remote and dangerous areas in a number of countries. The presenter hostess of the event was Dr. Maha Barakat, Director-General of the Health Authority in Abu Dhabi.
Source: WAM