On 19 April 2009 the UAE based charitable organisation Dubai Cares and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation signed a memorandum of cooperation to collaborate on new projects to improve children’s health and education in the developing world.

Speaking during the signing, Dubai Cares chairperson Reem Al Hashimy said: 'This alliance stems for a shared commitment to help underprivileged children break free from the cycle of poverty - a challenge, we feel, is best addressed by providing access to primary education.' Bill Gates added that 'the challenges facing developing countries are far greater than any single government or foundation can overcome alone - collaboration is critical to success.'

The two organisations have distinct but related objectives, and this agreement shows their commitment to work together to achieve them. Dubai Cares focuses on improving primary education in developing countries, while the Gates Foundation’s work in the developing world concentrates on improving health and accelerating development. These priorities are complementary: primary schools, for example, offer an excellent opportunity to deliver health services to children.

Related news: WASH in schools: Dubai Cares and global partners discuss common approach, Source Weekly, 30 Jan 2009

Web sites:Dubai Cares; Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Source: Gates Foundation, 19 Apr 2009

Tags: financing, hygiene promotion, middle east & north africa, school sanitation