Funding Cuts to Anti-Malaria Fund Could Trigger Resurgence of Disease

Strategic Insights -

The fight against malaria is under threat as wealthy countries consider reducing their contributions to the Global Fund to Fight Aids, TB and Malaria, despite the warning that funding cuts could lead to a deadly resurgence of the disease. Analysts estimate that if the fund receives 20% less funding than in the last round, there would be an additional 33 million cases and 82,000 deaths, and $5.14bn (£3.83bn) in lost GDP by 2030. If the funding vacuum leads to a collapse of preventive malaria control, the report estimates there would be 525 million more cases, 990,000 more deaths and $83bn in lost GDP.

Key Takeaways:

  • Funding cuts to the Global Fund to Fight Aids, TB and Malaria could lead to a resurgence of malaria, with 33 million additional cases and 82,000 deaths by 2030.
  • A 20% drop in funds could also lead to $5.14bn (£3.83bn) in lost GDP by 2030.
  • If funding cuts lead to the collapse of preventive malaria control, the report estimates there would be 525 million more cases, 990,000 more deaths and $83bn in lost GDP.
  • The cost of malaria to sub-Saharan Africa would be substantial, with the region's leaders appealing to the G7 to maintain investment and the private sector to step in.
  • African countries are stepping up to control the disease, but need the support of wealthy countries and the private sector to maintain momentum.
  • The report highlights the impact of malaria on GDP, using factors including disrupted schooling, employee absences, and the impact on tourism and agriculture.

Statistics:

  • 33 million: additional cases of malaria by 2030 if funding cuts lead to a 20% reduction in funding.
  • 82,000: additional deaths by 2030 if funding cuts lead to a 20% reduction in funding.
  • $5.14bn (£3.83bn): lost GDP by 2030 if funding cuts lead to a 20% reduction in funding.
  • 525 million: additional cases of malaria if funding cuts lead to the collapse of preventive malaria control.
  • 990,000: additional deaths if funding cuts lead to the collapse of preventive malaria control.
  • $83bn: lost GDP if funding cuts lead to the collapse of preventive malaria control.
  • 865 million: fewer cases of malaria if the Global Fund receives the full $18bn it was asking for.
  • 1.86 million: fewer deaths if the Global Fund receives the full $18bn it was asking for.
  • $230bn: boost to GDP if the Global Fund receives the full $18bn it was asking for.

Sources:

  • Joy Phumaphi, African Leaders Malaria Alliance (Alma)
  • Gareth Jenkins, Malaria No More UK
  • The Global Fund to Fight Aids, TB and Malaria
  • The Gates Foundation
  • Malaria No More UK
  • African Leaders Malaria Alliance (Alma)
  • The Guardian