Monday 30 December, Abu Dhabi – Today, we mourn the passing of Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter–an extraordinary leader and tireless advocate for global health and infectious disease elimination. President Carter’s unwavering dedication to improving the lives and well-being of individuals worldwide has left an indelible legacy. His contributions and belief in the promise of disease elimination and eradication will continue to inspire and impact communities for generations to come.

GLIDE is particularly honored to have had one of its earliest partnerships with The Carter Center, working to eliminate river blindness in the Americas and lymphatic filariasis and malaria on the island of Hispaniola. This collaboration reflects the strong bond between President Carter and Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founding Father of the United Arab Emirates, and their joint legacies. These visionary leaders both shared humble backgrounds and a deep sense of responsibility to their communities. Their partnership in combating diseases such as Guinea worm disease, river blindness, and malaria laid the foundation for global efforts in  health and humanitarian causes, with lasting effects that continue to shape the world today, including the creation of GLIDE itself.

“President Carter was a true champion of health equity,” said Simon Bland, CEO of GLIDE. “His lifelong commitment to eliminating the world’s most neglected diseases continues to drive our work. We are profoundly grateful for his leadership and vision of a healthier, more equitable world for all.”

President Carter’s legacy in global health will remain a beacon of inspiration, motivating future generations to work in service of a healthier, more just world. At GLIDE, we remain steadfast in our commitment to eliminate preventable infectious diseases, working with our partners to honor his enduring vision.