The United Kingdom has unveiled a £5 million initiative in collaboration with the RBM Partnership to End Malaria, aiming to reinvigorate the global fight against the malaria epidemic. This move emphasizes the UK’s commitment to combating a disease that continues to claim lives and hinder economic progress, particularly in malaria-endemic countries.
The announcement coincides with the release of the World Health Organization’s 2024 World Malaria Report, which highlights an alarming rise in malaria cases in 2023, signaling a critical need for renewed action.
The UK’s funding will strengthen efforts to address drug and insecticide resistance while supporting malaria control in four priority African countries including Cameroon, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Malaria remains a significant barrier to economic development in the Global South. Research indicates that reducing malaria cases by 90% by 2030 could boost GDP by over $142 billion in affected countries. This new partnership aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aim to end the epidemic of malaria by 2030.
Minister for Development Anneliese Dodds said: “Thanks to the expertise of British scientists and the efforts of partners across the world, we have shown that the malaria epidemic can be ended. “But in the Global South too many are still losing their lives and livelihoods to the disease, with pregnant women and children especially vulnerable.
“The UK is pleased to be partnering with the RBM Partnership to End Malaria, contributing £5 million to reenergise global efforts to tackle the epidemic. With the right tools, treatments and leadership, we can get back on track to end malaria, save lives and unlock billions in economic growth.” He added.
Progress against malaria has stalled in recent years and the world is off track against the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target to end the epidemic of malaria by 2030.
The climate crisis is hindering efforts to end malaria as extreme weather events, such as flooding, increase the risk of outbreaks and warming temperatures change patterns of transmission. The UK’s partnership with RBM solidifies the UK as a key partner in global efforts to end malaria.
The UK is also a leading supporter to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, and supports research into new tools to prevent and treat malaria. British scientists helped develop two malaria vaccines which have the potential to save millions of lives. With UK support, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance are helping to roll out the new vaccines in up to 25 countries by 2025, including in Nigeria last week (2 December).
This week, Minister Dodds is in Malawi, one of three countries where the RTS, S vaccine was shown to reduce child mortality by 13%. A third vaccine, which targets the disease at a later stage of infection, is being tested by British scientists at the University of Oxford.
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