11.5: Edge of Life Campaign: A Global Initiative to Combat Child Hunger

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has officially launched the 11.5: Edge of Life campaign. This ambitious initiative seeks to rescue 5 million children worldwide from the grips of hunger. It is part of His Highness’s annual tradition of starting a humanitarian campaign each Ramadan, reflecting the core values of compassion and generosity that the UAE holds dear.

Focus on Child Hunger

The campaign builds on Sheikh Mohammed’s long-standing commitment to eradicating hunger, particularly among vulnerable populations. Current statistics reveal a staggering reality: five children under the age of five die from hunger and malnutrition every minute. This initiative specifically targets children at risk in disaster-stricken and conflict-ridden areas, amplifying the urgency for coordinated global action.

Community Engagement and Solidarity

The 11.5: Edge of Life campaign invites participation from both individuals and institutions within the UAE community. It embodies a collective responsibility to advocate for children’s fundamental rights to live, grow, and thrive. Sheikh Mohammed stated: “There is no better way to welcome the holy month of Ramadan than by standing in solidarity with humanity.” This sentiment captures not only the spirit of giving during Ramadan but also the UAE’s role as a global leader in humanitarian efforts.

The Message Behind 11.5

The campaign emphasizes a key medical indicator: the mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) measurement of 11.5 cm. This measurement is crucial for identifying acute malnutrition in children aged six months to five years. According to guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO), a MUAC measurement below this threshold signifies a severe risk that warrants immediate intervention.

In emergency settings, particularly in refugee camps and areas impacted by natural disasters, the MUAC measurement provides a quick, effective means of assessing child nutrition. It serves as both a diagnostic tool and a call to action, highlighting the critical juncture at which timely intervention can mean the difference between life and death.

Urgent Call for Action

His Excellency Mohammad Al Gergawi, Secretary General of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), emphasized the campaign’s intent to protect millions of children from malnutrition. He remarked that with tens of millions of children globally affected by hunger, there is an urgent need for unified international efforts in combating this escalating crisis. Furthermore, as global hunger continues to rise, the campaign aims not just to alleviate existing suffering but also to prevent future crises.

Addressing the Underlying Issues

Hunger is a complex global challenge driven by various interlinked factors such as armed conflict, economic instability, and climate change. As of 2025, approximately 118 million children face hunger, with 1 in 4 children under five suffering from acute malnutrition. This multifaceted crisis demands a comprehensive and collaborative approach to create sustainable solutions.

A Legacy of Giving

The Edge of Life campaign is just the latest example in a series of impactful Ramadan initiatives led by Sheikh Mohammed. Previous campaigns have achieved significant milestones, such as the ‘1 Billion Meals’ campaign in 2022, which provided food aid to 50 countries and tallied contributions from over 320,000 individuals.

These efforts reflect a deep-rooted commitment to humanitarian values, with MBRGI having allocated over AED 13.8 billion in aid since its establishment in 2015. The organization encompasses over 30 initiatives aimed at addressing urgent global challenges and empowering communities through education, healthcare, and tolerance-promoting programs.

Towards a Sustainable Future

The 11.5: Edge of Life campaign is a testament to the collective responsibility we share toward those most vulnerable. By transforming a technical measurement into a broader humanitarian mission, the campaign invites worldwide participation to ensure that at-risk children receive the vital support they need. As such, the campaign embodies not just an initiative but a movement dedicated to shaping a future where no child suffers from hunger.