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. On Wednesday, Sheikh Mohammed and Mr Gates pledged $20 million <a href="https://www.thenational.ae/uae/health/reaching-the-last-mile-new-100m-fund-announced-in-abu-dhabi-1.675855#8">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> A new research institute that will develop policies to combat infectious disease was also announced. It will be based in Abu Dhabi. ____________ <strong>Read more on Reaching the Last Mile summit</strong>