Abu dhabi: The United Arab Emirates is being recognized for its significant contributions to the global effort to eradicate polio as World Polio Day is observed globally. Marked annually on October 24, the day underscores the UAE's ongoing commitment to providing life-saving vaccines, particularly to children in hard-to-reach areas such as Pakistan. According to Emirates News Agency, the UAE has emerged as a key player in international polio eradication efforts, with substantial financial support and initiatives spearheaded by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Since 2011, Sheikh Mohamed has contributed over AED1.3 billion through the "Reaching the Last Mile" initiative, which includes the UAE Polio Vaccination Campaign under the UAE Pakistan Assistance Programme. This campaign has successfully administered over 700 million doses of polio vaccines to children in Pakistan from 2014 to September 2023. On August 30, Sheikh Mohamed directed a contribution of US$5 million to support an em ergency polio vaccination campaign in Gaza, following the first reported case of the virus in the region. This initiative aims to vaccinate more than 640,000 children, further demonstrating the UAE's dedication to humanitarian support for Gaza, with a particular focus on children's healthcare. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus acknowledged the UAE's pivotal role in global efforts to eliminate polio, expressing gratitude for its contributions. He emphasized that these efforts are bringing the world closer to the complete eradication of the disease. The UAE's commitment to combating polio highlights its humanitarian values, with a focus on ensuring healthcare access for vulnerable populations and promoting human development initiatives globally. Polio remains a highly contagious viral disease affecting primarily children under five, and while global efforts have reduced cases by 99% since 1988, it persists in isolated regions.