Bill Gates 'surprised and honoured' by medal from Sheikh Mohammed
Billionaire philanthropist thanks Crown Prince after $100 million pledged at Abu Dhabi disease summit
November 16, 2017
Bill Gates has thanked Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, for hosting a major disease summit in Abu Dhabi, and expressed his "surprise and honour" at being awarded the UAE's Order of the Federation.
In a tweet to Sheikh Mohammed, the billionaire philanthropist said he looked forward to working to eradicate diseases that could be prevented.
.@MohamedBinZayed Thank you for a fantastic meeting today. It was an incredible surprise and honor to be awarded the Order of Federation. Your partnership has been instrumental in the fight to eradicate polio. I look forward to continuing our work. https://t.co/bbE94EBGYS
— Bill Gates (@BillGates) November 15, 2017
On Wednesday, Sheikh Mohammed and Mr Gates pledged $20 million each towards a $100 million fund to tackle diseases that include river blindness and lymphatic filariasis, also known as elephantiasis, which afflict millions worldwide.
A new research institute that will develop policies to combat infectious disease was also announced. It will be based in Abu Dhabi.
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