Alwaleed Philanthropies “Global” Joins Forces with UNICEF in the Fight against Measles and Rubella

In a partnership between Alwaleed Philanthropies “Global” and UNICEF, the Measles and Rubella Elimination Project is advancing a shared mission to protect children’s health and secure a brighter, more equitable future. This transformative initiative aims to deliver life-saving vaccines and eliminate two of the most contagious childhood diseases worldwide. Together, both organizations are accelerating immunization efforts and strengthening healthcare systems in vulnerable regions, working to reach millions of children who continue to face limited access to essential medical services.

The project’s core objective is to support UNICEF’s mission in eradicating measles and rubella worldwide. It does so by conducting large-scale immunization campaigns, enhancing surveillance, and reinforcing health system capacities to prevent outbreaks and reduce transmission. Launched in 2016, the project is set to continue until 2030, with a goal of completely eliminating these diseases as major public health threats.

In 2023, the initiative targeted five key countries—Ethiopia, Iraq, Jordan, Nigeria, and Sudan—selected for their urgent public health needs and limited access to immunization services.

2023 Highlights:

• Ethiopia: 1,828,199 children vaccinated
• Iraq: 523,584 children vaccinated
• Jordan: 148,298 children vaccinated
• Nigeria: 2,059,220 children vaccinated
• Sudan: 70,228 children vaccinated

Building on its success, the project expanded to additional countries in 2024, delivering significant results from October 2024 to January 2025:

• Madagascar: 453,638 children vaccinated
• Nigeria: 5,102,140 children vaccinated
• Liberia: 78,112 children vaccinated
• Mozambique: 2,394,603 children under five years old vaccinated
• Iraq: 5,565,251 children vaccinated from 2023 through January 2025

Through its unwavering efforts and partnership with UNICEF, the Measles and Rubella Elimination Project continues to be a driving force in safeguarding the health of children worldwide. By executing targeted, high-impact vaccination campaigns, the project has significantly reduced the burden of these preventable diseases. With continued dedication and global collaboration, the project is on track to eliminate measles and rubella by 2030, ensuring a safer, healthier future for generations to come.