UNICEF, MBRGI and CIFF launch $300 million partnership to fight childhood malnutrition, aiming to save millions of vulnerable children and expand global life-saving nutrition programmes
A major global partnership aimed at tackling childhood malnutrition has been launched by UNICEF, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives and Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, pledging a combined $300 million to help millions of vulnerable children access life-saving nutrition support.
The initiative is expected to save at least three million children suffering from malnutrition, while the wider campaign aims to eventually reach five million children facing severe hunger around the world.
The partnership forms part of the global “Edge of Life” campaign launched by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum during the holy month of Ramadan. The campaign seeks to mobilise hundreds of millions of dollars to combat childhood hunger and malnutrition in the world’s most vulnerable communities.
$100m donation to unlock wider global funding
Under the agreement, an initial catalytic donation of $100 million will enable UNICEF to mobilise an additional $200 million to scale up its global nutrition programmes.
Through its technical expertise and extensive field presence, UNICEF will expand programmes that focus on the prevention, early detection and treatment of malnutrition among children in the most affected regions.
The organisation will deploy its Child Nutrition Fund to support sustainable initiatives aimed at tackling hunger and poor nutrition in vulnerable communities.
These programmes will provide essential nutritional support and medical treatment to children suffering from acute malnutrition, helping prevent long-term health complications and saving lives.
The initiative comes at a time when global food insecurity and rising costs have intensified concerns about childhood hunger worldwide.
Statistics cited by the campaign indicate that five children under the age of five die every minute from causes linked to hunger and malnutrition.
UAE humanitarian vision drives global campaign
Mohammad Al Gergawi said the “Edge of Life” campaign reflects the humanitarian vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and his commitment to strengthening global philanthropy.
According to Al Gergawi, the initiative embodies the UAE’s determination to address one of the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges by ensuring that vulnerable children have access to essential nutrition.
He said the collaboration between UNICEF, CIFF and MBRGI highlights the strength of international partnerships aimed at combating global hunger.
Al Gergawi also stressed the importance of investing in sustainable projects capable of addressing the risks of acute malnutrition and improving children’s health outcomes.
The campaign, he added, demonstrates how coordinated humanitarian action can deliver measurable results for children facing extreme hardship.
Global partners unite to tackle child hunger
Lana Al Wreikat described the partnership as a critical humanitarian milestone at a time when childhood hunger is reaching alarming levels globally.
She said the collaboration reflects the UAE’s continued commitment to addressing global challenges while supporting programmes that ensure children receive proper nutrition.
According to Al Wreikat, UNICEF’s child-centred nutrition programmes and extensive field experience will ensure that funds raised through the campaign are translated into tangible impact.
With decades of operational expertise, the organisation will provide life-saving treatment and preventative services to children suffering from malnutrition in the world’s most vulnerable regions.
Anna Hakobyan said the foundation was proud to deepen its long-standing collaboration with UNICEF and MBRGI to support essential nutrition initiatives.
She noted that the partnership represents a major milestone in broader efforts to unite global donors and delivery partners in scaling up malnutrition treatment and prevention.
Through additional resources and collaboration, the initiative aims to reach more than five million children, helping them not only survive but also thrive.
Campaign calls for global support
The “Edge of Life” campaign continues to invite contributions from individuals, organisations and institutions worldwide.
Donations can be made through multiple channels, including the campaign’s official website, a dedicated call centre and bank transfers through UAE financial institutions.
Supporters can also contribute via mobile donations, community platforms and digital applications aimed at encouraging charitable giving.
Campaign organisers hope the initiative will mobilise global solidarity and inspire further support to expand nutrition programmes for children facing hunger.
