New research released today reveals that African economies could receive a substantial GDP boost of nearly $127 billion between 2023 and 2030 by meeting UN malaria targets.
This growth, averaging almost $16 billion a year, includes significant gains for countries like Tanzania, Kenya, and Angola, with Tanzania’s GDP alone potentially rising by over $7 billion.
The report, commissioned by Malaria No More UK, highlights that reducing malaria would not only save millions of lives but also stimulate economic growth.
“Studies show that providing nutrition supplements to people with TB who are undernourished reduces the transmission of TB in their households and reduces mortality in these patients,” said Professor Yogan Pillay, Director of HIV & TB Delivery at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. He emphasized the need for improved assessment and supplementation of nutritional status to enhance treatment outcomes.
Moreover, the research indicates that cutting malaria could lead to an increase of more than $31 billion in exports to Africa, with substantial gains for the US and UK as well. Dr. Astrid Bonfield, Chief Executive Officer of Malaria No More UK, stated, “Investing more in the fight to end malaria can save millions of lives, grow African economies, and boost trade. This can unlock new funds to bolster health spending and strengthen health security in African countries and globally.”
The study underscores the importance of continued investment in malaria interventions, particularly by G7 countries, to sustain progress and meet the 2030 targets.
“Malaria is a preventable and treatable disease, but it continues to needlessly cost lives and hold back endemic countries from making critical social and economic gains,” said Dr. Michael Charles, CEO of the RBM Partnership to End Malaria. He called for prioritizing the 2030 goal of reducing malaria by 90% from 2015 levels.
The economic benefits of eradicating malaria are clear, with significant potential GDP boosts for major African economies: Nigeria could see an increase of almost $35 billion, Kenya over $9 billion, and Angola $8.5 billion. This growth could be reinvested into health sectors, strengthening diagnostic capacities, healthcare workforces, and primary healthcare infrastructure, thereby preparing these nations for future health threats.
The G7 Summit in Italy, hosted by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, will focus on stimulating economic growth in Africa, including investments in health systems. G7 initiatives such as Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria have been pivotal in increasing access to vaccines and treatments.
Dr. Bonfield highlighted the potential of new tools in the fight against malaria, including two effective malaria vaccines available for Gavi’s next investment case. “In a storm of global challenges, G7 and malaria-endemic countries can work hand in hand to drive greater investment in malaria, through Gavi and The Global Fund to save lives, unlock prosperity, and strengthen health security,” she said.
Despite the challenges, new tools and investments could help meet global malaria reduction targets. The report calls on governments to provide sufficient funding to Gavi and The Global Fund, ensuring these tools reach those in need.
George Otieno, a father and community leader from Kisumu, Kenya, shared his firsthand experience with malaria’s impact.
“Malaria is always affecting my family, year in year out. Even the fishing community… when you’re sick with malaria you’re not going to work, you’re not going to fish – it’s very dangerous to the fishing community,” he said. Otieno emphasized that ending malaria could significantly improve economic activities and health outcomes in his community.
Fever-Tree, a premium mixer brand sourcing quinine from the Democratic Republic of Congo, has committed to ending malaria through public health campaigns and awareness initiatives. Saffy Jones, Sustainability Manager at Fever-Tree, stated, “We understand the devastation malaria causes through the experiences of our partners in many regions where we source our ingredients from. But it is a disease that can be defeated, and this research shows that with a coordinated global effort, we can all make a difference and boost national economies in Africa.”
The Malaria Dividend report provides a compelling case for increased investment in malaria eradication, promising significant economic and health benefits for Africa and the world.