A recent analysis warns that cuts in contributions from wealthy countries to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria could trigger a resurgence of malaria, potentially costing millions of lives and billions of pounds by the end of the decade. The fight against malaria faces additional pressures from extreme weather, humanitarian crises, and growing resistance to insecticides and drugs, which could increase the number of people exposed to the disease. Gareth Jenkins of Malaria No More UK cautioned that reduced funding risks the deadliest resurgence in history.
Analysts highlighted the significant impact on sub-Saharan Africa, where leaders have appealed to the G7, the private sector, and high-net-worth individuals to maintain or increase investment. Joy Phumaphi of the African Leaders Malaria Alliance emphasized that African countries are stepping up domestic efforts, but global support remains crucial to end malaria. The Global Fund provides nearly 60% of all international financing for malaria controls, including mosquito nets and preventive drugs.
The report estimated that a 20% reduction in funding compared with the last round would result in 33 million additional malaria cases, 82,000 more deaths, and $5.14 billion in lost GDP by 2030. If funding collapses entirely, 525 million more cases and 990,000 deaths could occur, with 750,000 of those being children under five, representing a devastating “loss of a generation.” Conversely, if the Global Fund secures the full $18 billion it seeks, the world could see 865 million fewer cases, 1.86 million fewer deaths, and a $230 billion boost to GDP.
Phumaphi noted that African countries have increased domestic budget allocations to health and malaria, but debt burdens and the economic aftermath of COVID-19 continue to strain resources. She stressed the importance of additional support from wealthy individuals, private sector actors, and foundations to prevent losses in productivity, jobs, and economic growth. Nigerian businessman Aliko Dangote called on others to help fill the funding gap, emphasizing malaria’s impact as an $83 billion brake on Africa’s growth and enterprise.
The economic analysis of malaria’s impact considered factors such as disrupted schooling, employee absences, and effects on tourism and agriculture. The Gates Foundation, a supporter of the Global Fund, continues to contribute funding to address this critical global health challenge.
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