Funding Cuts Could Trigger “Deadliest Malaria Resurgence Ever,” Warns Global Study

A new international report has warned that recent and proposed cuts to global health funding could unleash the “deadliest resurgence” of malaria in modern history, potentially killing hundreds of thousands and devastating African economies.

The study, commissioned by Malaria No More UK and the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA), models the consequences of a decline in donor support for malaria control. It projects that a 20% cut in funding could result in 33 million additional malaria cases, 82,000 extra deaths, and an estimated $5.14 billion in cumulative GDP losses across sub-Saharan Africa by 2030.

The report paints an even bleaker picture if funding were to collapse entirely. In that scenario, Africa could see 525 million more infections, nearly one million deaths, and a staggering $83 billion in economic damage — undoing two decades of progress against the disease.

“We are facing a moment of reckoning,” said Dr. Michael Adeyemi, an ALMA policy adviser quoted in the study. “Malaria is not only a public health crisis; it’s an economic emergency for Africa. Cutting funds now would cost far more in lives and livelihoods than it saves in budgets.”

Malaria, which still claims over 600,000 lives each year, predominantly affects children under five. The disease has been largely controlled through mass distribution of insecticide-treated nets, preventive medication, and early treatment programs — all of which depend heavily on international aid.

According to the report, climate change, drug resistance, and shrinking donor commitments have already started reversing hard-won gains. The researchers noted that some major donors, including the UK and US, are reviewing aid allocations, while others like Germany have increased support.

“We’ve come too far to let funding fatigue erase decades of success,” said James Whiting, CEO of Malaria No More UK. “Sustaining investment now would not only save millions of lives but also boost economic growth by as much as $230 billion across the continent.”

The study calls for urgent financial commitments ahead of the Global Fund replenishment summit next year, urging public and private sectors to step up.

Public health experts say that maintaining malaria funding is not just a humanitarian priority but an economic one. “Every dollar spent on malaria saves $30 in productivity and healthcare costs,” said Adeyemi. “The math is simple — invest now, or pay a much higher price later.”