Investing in ending malaria pays off for Britain and the world

Malaria isn’t just a threat to millions of people worldwide - it’s a threat to prosperity, progress and preparedness. But we have the tools to tackle it, and the returns are substantial. British-backed innovation in the fight against malaria is saving lives, fuelling our economy, and futureproofing our NHS.

Our latest report shows how UK investment in malaria R&D could generate over £2 billion in GDP for the UK's economy. Investing in neglected disease R&D also has the power to create more than 4,000 British jobs, and unlock over £4 billion in private sector investment – all while helping save 1.43 million lives and prevent 183 million cases of disease globally.

From next generation vaccines and nets to gene drive technology and AI drug discovery- the UK is at the cutting edge of science thanks to its support for malaria R&D. And it’s not just about malaria. The science and investment sparked by this fight is helping tackle diseases like asthma, cancer and even underpinned the UK Government's response to COVID-19.

But these benefits hinge on the continued UK support for the Global Fund, Gavi and malaria research. Without it, the tools we’ve built could sit unused in labs, and the UK could miss out on billions in potential economic benefits.

With the release of our report, we’re calling for a strong commitment from the UK Government for the Global Fund and Gavi replenishments later this year – the organisations that ensure malaria innovations reach those who need them most. Alongside this crucial support, we need continued investment in malaria research to get back on track to ending malaria. These actions will not only save lives but boost economic growth, health security, and innovation here in the UK.