A child eating.PHOTO;Courtesy
UNICEF, in partnership with the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), has launched a major $300 million partnership aimed at saving millions of children from malnutrition.
The initiative, part of the broader Edge of Life Campaign, will directly target 3 million children, with the aim of eventually reaching 5 million through an expanding alliance of partners.
A combined contribution of $100 million from MBRGI and CIFF will allow UNICEF to mobilize an additional $200 million to scale life-saving nutrition programmes in vulnerable communities worldwide.
Expanding Access to Life-Saving Nutrition
UNICEF will use its expertise and local presence to provide prevention, early detection, and treatment services for children facing acute hunger.
These programmes aim to improve access to essential food, supplements, and health support for the most vulnerable.
Lana Al Wreikat, UNICEF Director for the Gulf Area – GCC Countries, said:
“Through UNICEF’s proven child-centred nutrition programmes and strong technical expertise, every contribution will be translated into measurable impact for children. Our experience on the ground ensures life-saving treatment and preventive services reach those who need them most.”
Global statistics highlight the urgency: five children under five die every minute from hunger or malnutrition.
This partnership seeks to change that by reaching communities where interventions can make the greatest difference.
A Ramadan Launch with Global Reach
The campaign was officially launched during Ramadan by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
The initiative reflects the UAE’s commitment to addressing childhood hunger worldwide.
His Excellency Mohammad Al Gergawi, Secretary General of MBRGI, said:
“The Edge of Life campaign embodies the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for fostering a culture of philanthropy. Our partnership with CIFF and UNICEF reflects a shared commitment to strategically combat childhood hunger and invest in sustainable solutions for acute malnutrition worldwide.”
Building on Longstanding Partnerships
Anna Hakobyan, Chief Impact Officer and Executive Director for Nutrition at CIFF, added:
“CIFF is proud to deepen its longstanding collaboration with UNICEF and MBRGI to support essential nutrition for children. By mobilizing additional resources, we aim to reach over 5 million children, helping them not only survive but flourish.”
The partnership leverages UNICEF’s Child Nutrition Fund, ensuring that funding is paired with technical expertise and operational capacity.
Al Wreikat highlighted that UNICEF’s role as implementing partner ensures programmes are effective, sustainable, and responsive to the needs of children in the most vulnerable communities.
Aiming for Measurable Impact
The US$300 million initiative combines strategic funding, operational capacity, and technical support to tackle malnutrition systematically.
By linking MBRGI and CIFF contributions with UNICEF’s field expertise, the partnership addresses root causes of hunger while strengthening local nutrition and health systems.
“This partnership represents a critical milestone at a time when childhood hunger and malnutrition are reaching alarming levels globally,” Al Gergawi said.
“It shows that through collaboration, we can deliver large-scale impact and support the children who need it most.”
Through the Edge of Life campaign, UNICEF, MBRGI, and CIFF aim to set a benchmark for multi-partner humanitarian initiatives, demonstrating how funding, technical expertise, and collaboration can save lives and improve outcomes for the world’s most vulnerable children.
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