Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Ruler of Dubai, has announced a huge humanitarian initiative for the holy month of Ramadan. They have officially launched a campaign called ‘11.5: Hadd Al-Hayat’ (Edge of Life) on Friday. The main objective of this campaign is to save the lives of 50 lakh children suffering from malnutrition and hunger across the world. This campaign will be run under Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI).
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What is ‘11.5’ and the meaning of this name?
This question is arising in the minds of people that why is there 11.5 in the name of the campaign. Actually, this is a very serious parameter of the health world. On the tape that health professionals use to measure children’s arm circumference, 11.5 centimeters is the limit that indicates severe malnutrition.
If the circumference of a child’s hand is less than 11.5 cm, it means that the child is on the ‘edge of life’ and needs immediate help. Sheikh Mohammed says he wants to turn this medical data into a global humanitarian cry so that these little children can be saved in time.
Target to raise 1 billion dirhams and big partners
The campaign aims to raise donations of at least 1 billion dirhams (about $272 million) locally and internationally. The amount raised will be used for the treatment and food of children who are dying due to hunger. According to statistics, every minute a child dies due to hunger in the world.
UAE is not alone in this noble cause, but many big international organizations have also come together:
UNICEF Save the Children Action Against Hunger The Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF)
Update on school timings in Ramadan
Along with this campaign, some rules have also been clarified for the common people and students during Ramadan. UAE government schools have confirmed that remote learning will take place on Fridays during the upcoming Ramadan month. This decision has been taken so that students and their families can adjust to the daily routine of the holy month.