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.
The Executive Secretary of the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA), Joy Phumaphi, emphasized that African countries are stepping up and urged global partners to join the effort, acknowledging significant increases in domestic budget allocations, not only to health broadly but specifically to malaria, particularly since the start of this year.
Phumaphi also expressed concern that some donor countries were considering pledging less than in the previous funding round. However, she welcomed commitments from countries like Germany, noting that their pledge of $1 billion is a significant contribution.
The former health minister of Botswana expressed hope that wealthy individuals, the private sector, and foundations would contribute, emphasizing that malaria hampers productivity, jobs, and Africa’s economic potential, affecting investment opportunities and markets for businesses.
Highlighting the role of private contributions, Nigerian businessman Aliko Dangote called on others to join him in closing the funding gap, noting that “malaria is not just a health crisis; it is an $83 billion brake on Africa’s growth and enterprise. Business cannot thrive in sick communities”.
She added that it is important to recognize the scale of the challenge and the substantial funding required for countries to effectively catch up in their malaria control efforts, saying, “All of us need to be part of the end story of malaria”.
The report further 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.
