A sharp drop in contributions from wealthier nations to the key malaria fund could pave the way for the deadliest resurgence of the disease yet, a new analysis warns.
Growing Threats to Malaria Control
The fight against malaria is already under pressure from climate extremes, humanitarian crises that increase exposure to mosquitoes, and rising resistance to both insecticides and antimalarial drugs. These factors, coupled with weakening funding, threaten to unravel decades of progress.
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Dire Forecasts If Funding Falls
The report, authored by African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA) and Malaria No More UK, estimates that if the The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria experiences a 20 % reduction in its next funding round, there could be 33 million additional malaria cases and 82,000 more deaths by 2030 — alongside a loss of about US $5.14 billion in GDP. In a worst-case scenario where prevention efforts collapse entirely, the projections jump to 525 million more cases, 990,000 additional deaths (about 750,000 of them children under 5) and a staggering $83 billion in economic losses.
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African Leaders Call for Support
ALMA’s executive secretary Joy Phumaphi appealed for stronger global backing: “African countries are carrying their share of the fight — we now ask the rest of the world to walk with us, because all of us must be part of malaria’s end story.” She highlighted how malaria threatens not only health, but economic growth and trade across the region.
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Donor Nations Falter
While the fund supplies nearly 60 % of international malaria financing — supporting bed nets, preventive medicines, and other essentials — major donors are signaling cuts. Germany recently pledged $1 billion (a 23 % drop from its previous commitment), and the UK is reportedly contemplating a 20 % reduction. These shifts have fueled concern among health experts.
The Private Sector’s Role
With public funding under strain, the report urges private businesses and philanthropists to fill the gap. Nigerian business leader Aliko Dangote framed malaria not just as a health issue, but as a “US$83 billion brake on Africa’s growth and enterprise,” calling for corporate investment in prevention.
Why It Matters
Malaria’s impact extends far beyond illness. The disease hinders productivity, disrupts schooling and workforce participation, and suppresses economic output, especially in the world’s poorest regions.
Final Word
In short, years of gains against malaria could vanish if funding is not maintained. The report concludes that “fully financing the Global Fund is the most important lever to avoid a global humanitarian and economic disaster.”
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