Malaria Combat Efforts Receive Over $600 Million in Funding Boost

Malaria receives over $600 million in funding, marking a significant investment in combating this deadly disease. This financial support underscores the global commitment to eradicating malaria and advancing research, prevention, and treatment efforts. The substantial funding injection is crucial for implementing effective strategies to reduce malaria-related morbidity and mortality worldwide, ultimately contributing to the goal of eliminating malaria as a public health threat.

On World Malaria Day, observed on April 25, the focus is on accelerating the fight against malaria for a more equitable world. Policy Cures Research provides insight into research and development (R&D) funding for malaria and other major diseases, along with estimated death figures for 2022.

Malaria, classified as a neglected disease, meets three criteria outlined by Policy Cures Research: it disproportionately affects people in low- and middle-income countries, requires new products due to a lack of existing or improved solutions, and experiences market failure, meaning there's insufficient commercial market to attract R&D by private industry.

In 2022, malaria received $604 million in funding, marking a decrease of over 10% from 2021 (-$73 million) and the lowest funding level in 15 years. Funding for malaria vaccines saw a fifth consecutive year of decline, reaching a record low of $106 million. Meanwhile, drugs received the largest share of funding at $235 million, although this segment also experienced a 12% drop (-$33 million).

However, attention to other diseases was even scarcer. Hepatitis B, which claimed over a million lives in 2022, received just $30 million in global funding that year.

Source: Statista‍