A Powerful Call to Protect Children at the Edge of Life
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has launched a major global Ramadan campaign aimed at tackling one of the world’s most urgent humanitarian crises — child hunger and malnutrition.
The initiative, titled ‘Had Al Hayah’ or ‘The Edge of Life’, seeks to raise at least AED 1 billion (approximately $272 million) to provide urgent nutrition and healthcare support to five million vulnerable children under the age of five. The campaign is being rolled out under the umbrella of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives and is expected to mobilize donations from across the UAE and around the world during the upcoming holy month of Ramadan.
Speaking at the launch, Sheikh Mohammed emphasized the moral responsibility of supporting children facing life-threatening hunger. He stated that the campaign’s goal is clear: to rescue five million children from starvation and give them a chance at life. He described every act of giving as a source of both strength and blessing, reinforcing Ramadan’s core values of compassion, generosity and solidarity.
Addressing a Growing Global Crisis
The urgency behind the campaign is rooted in alarming global data. According to figures shared during the launch, more than 118 million children worldwide are affected by malnutrition. Hunger remains a devastating threat, contributing to approximately 2.6 million child deaths annually.
Malnutrition weakens immune systems, stunts growth and development, and increases vulnerability to disease. For millions of children living in fragile communities affected by poverty, conflict and climate-related disasters, access to proper nutrition remains out of reach. Without immediate intervention, many of these children face irreversible physical and cognitive damage — or worse.
The Sheikh Mohammed Ramadan campaign aims to confront these realities head-on by delivering immediate nutrition assistance while also strengthening longer-term healthcare and support systems. By combining emergency aid with sustainable solutions, the initiative seeks not only to save lives but also to improve children’s future prospects.
Strategic Global Partnerships
To maximize its impact, the campaign has partnered with leading international humanitarian organizations. These include UNICEF, Save the Children, Action Against Hunger, and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation.
These collaborations are designed to ensure that funds are deployed efficiently and reach children in the most vulnerable regions. Through established global networks, medical teams and nutrition programs can deliver therapeutic food, essential supplements, vaccinations and emergency healthcare services where they are needed most.
By leveraging the expertise of these international partners, the campaign strengthens global coordination in the fight against child hunger. It also expands the reach of UAE-led humanitarian efforts, reinforcing the country’s position as a global leader in relief and development initiatives.
A Ramadan Rooted in Compassion
Ramadan has long been a period of reflection, empathy and charitable giving. This campaign transforms those values into tangible action. It calls upon individuals, businesses, institutions and philanthropic organizations to contribute toward a shared humanitarian goal.
The initiative encourages both local and international participation, inviting donors to be part of a global movement that places children’s survival and dignity at its center. Contributions raised during Ramadan will fund therapeutic feeding programs, maternal and child healthcare services, and critical medical interventions.
Sheikh Mohammed’s message underscores that hunger is not merely a statistic — it is a daily struggle faced by millions of families. Behind every number is a child whose future depends on timely support. The campaign seeks to bridge the gap between generosity and urgent need.
Strengthening the UAE’s Humanitarian Legacy
The launch of ‘The Edge of Life’ campaign builds upon the UAE’s long-standing commitment to humanitarian aid and global relief. Through Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, numerous programs have been implemented to address poverty, healthcare access, education and disaster response worldwide.
This latest effort reinforces that commitment, placing child nutrition at the forefront of global humanitarian priorities. By setting an ambitious fundraising target of AED 1 billion, the campaign signals the scale of the challenge — and the seriousness of the response required.
The initiative also reflects a broader understanding that child hunger is interconnected with other global challenges. Poverty, displacement, conflict and climate change all contribute to food insecurity. Addressing malnutrition therefore demands coordinated international action, sustainable investment and long-term vision.
From Urgent Relief to Lasting Impact
While the immediate goal is to deliver lifesaving nutrition support to five million children, the campaign also seeks to create lasting impact. Proper nutrition during the first five years of life is critical for brain development, physical growth and overall well-being. Early intervention can dramatically improve a child’s future health, educational outcomes and earning potential.
By focusing on children under five — the age group most vulnerable to severe malnutrition — the campaign targets the critical window where intervention can mean the difference between survival and loss.
The funds raised will support therapeutic feeding centers, supply ready-to-use therapeutic foods, provide vitamin and mineral supplementation, and strengthen community healthcare systems. In doing so, the initiative aims to move children away from the edge of life and toward stability and hope.
A Global Invitation to Act
At its heart, the Sheikh Mohammed Ramadan campaign is a global invitation to act. It calls on communities across borders to unite behind a simple yet powerful mission: ensuring that no child suffers from hunger.
The scale of the challenge is immense, but so too is the potential of collective generosity. With coordinated global partnerships, transparent implementation and widespread public engagement, the campaign aims to transform Ramadan giving into lifesaving change.
As the holy month approaches, the message is clear. Five million children are counting on timely action. Through compassion, solidarity and determined effort, this initiative seeks to offer them not just nourishment — but a future filled with possibility.
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