A new analysis warns that reductions in contributions from wealthy countries to global malaria programs could reverse decades of progress, potentially leading to millions of deaths and billions in economic losses by 2030.
Gareth Jenkins of Malaria No More UK said that cutting funding risks the “deadliest resurgence we’ve ever seen.” Analysts also warned that sub-Saharan Africa would be hit hardest, prompting regional leaders to appeal to the G7, private sector actors, and high-net-worth individuals to maintain and increase investment.
Joy Phumaphi of the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA) emphasized that African countries are stepping up and urged global partners to join the effort, saying, “All of us need to be part of the end story of malaria”.
The report examined the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, which provides nearly 60% of international malaria financing, including mosquito nets and preventive drugs. Researchers found that a 20% drop in funding could result in an additional 33 million malaria cases, 82,000 deaths, and $5.14 billion in lost GDP by 2030.
The report highlights that malaria control faces multiple challenges, including extreme weather, humanitarian crises that increase exposure, and growing resistance to insecticides and drugs.
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