The UAE has launched the '11.5: Edge of Life' humanitarian campaign, aiming to rescue 5 million children worldwide from hunger. This initiative, led by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum during the holy month of Ramadan, continues a tradition of annual humanitarian efforts that reflect the UAE's core values of giving and generosity.
The campaign focuses on children at risk of hunger in the world's most vulnerable communities, particularly in areas affected by natural disasters and conflicts. Statistics reveal that every minute, five children under the age of five die from hunger and malnutrition. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum stated, "There is no better way to welcome the holy month of Ramadan than by standing in solidarity with humanity, saving lives, and ensuring those in need can live with dignity."
'11.5: Edge of Life' builds upon previous Ramadan campaigns, such as '10 Million Meals' in 2020, '100 Million Meals' in 2021, and '1 Billion Meals' in 2022, which collectively raised substantial funds to provide aid across dozens of countries.
The campaign is implemented in partnership with UNICEF, Save the Children, the Children's Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), and Action Against Hunger. The number '11.5' is not just a name but a critical medical indicator: the Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) for children aged 6 months to 5 years. A measurement below 11.5 cm indicates wasting, loss of muscle mass, and a life-threatening vulnerability of the immune system, requiring immediate medical attention.
Thus, the '11.5: Edge of Life' campaign transforms this clinical metric into a global humanitarian call, turning a technical health indicator into a definitive threshold between life and death. It invites all segments of the UAE community, both individuals and institutions, to participate as a practical expression of human solidarity and collective responsibility to safeguard children's fundamental rights to life, growth, and dignity.
