In 2020, Africa was declared wild polio-free, leaving only Pakistan and Afghanistan as the two remaining endemic countries for wild polio.

The participation of Middle Eastern players has contributed to reducing polio cases from over 300 in 2014 to 12 in 2023. Despite this progress, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) remains steadfast until polio cases worldwide reach zero and the planet is certified polio-free.

Now, Saudi Arabia and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation have collaborated on initiatives to safeguard 370 million children yearly from polio and elevate millions out of poverty across 33 Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) member nations.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will open a regional office in Riyadh in Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City to support this partnership. They will also partner with the MiSK Foundation to support youth engagement and effectiveness of the third sector.

At the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Riyadh, HE Dr. Abdullah A. Al Rabeeah, Advisor to the Royal Court and Supervisor General of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid & Relief Centre (KSrelief), along with His Excellency Fahad bin Abdurrahman Al-Jalajel, Minister of Health of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, announced a pledge of over $620 million. This pledge marks the largest multi-year commitment by a sovereign donor to support the current strategy of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI).

“Polio is a horrific disease that deserves to be in the history books once and for all,” said Bill Gates. “I am proud to see the kingdom together with partners across the Middle East, step up to help deliver more polio vaccines, measles immunizations, and other vital health services to millions of children every year.”

As part of their commitment to accelerating progress toward polio eradication, improved global health, and poverty alleviation, Saudi Arabia and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have announced a set of significant commitments. Saudi Arabia has pledged $500 million over the next five years to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), a public-private partnership led by national governments and six partners, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Simultaneously, the Kingdom has committed $3 million, while the foundation has pledged $15 million over three years to support the Polio Legacy Challenge.

The Polio Legacy Challenge will be led by the ministries of health in countries across the region, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, in collaboration with the WHO and EMRO Regional Subcommittee for Polio Eradication and Outbreaks.

Also, Saudi Arabia will contribute $100 million to support the Lives and Livelihoods Fund (LLF), following a renewed pledge of $50 million from the UAE to the LLF made earlier this week.