• From 2003 to 2023, the US disbursed a total of $15.6 billion for malaria control allocated through the Global Fund and the President’s Malaria Initiative, averting 646.4 million malaria cases.  

• By reducing malaria cases, US funding has contributed to a $90.3 billion increase in GDP across recipient countries. 

• In other words, since 2003, US investments in preventing malaria generated 5.8 times the economic return for every dollar spent. 

• US funding for malaria has boosted the economic growth of malaria-affected countries, which in turn benefits the US through expanded commerce and global stability. 

April 10, 2025 (Washington, DC) – A recent analysis by Oxford Economics Africa commissioned by Malaria No More found that total U.S. malaria funding provided through the bilateral President’s Malaria Initiative and the U.S. contribution to the Global Fund over the past 20 years produced a collective GDP increase of $90.3 billion in recipient countries. This means that every dollar the U.S. invested in malaria control has generated 5.8 times the returns in economic benefits.  

Many of these countries are fast-growing trading partners and countries of diplomatic, strategic, and economic value to the United States.  

And the economic benefits of malaria reduction are not enjoyed solely by endemic countries that receive aid. A similar analysis by the same firm commissioned by Malaria No More UK found that achieving global malaria reduction targets by 2030 would increase international trade by $80.7 billion and produce an additional $1.5 billion in U.S. exports to endemic countries. 

Malaria remains one of the most significant public health challenges in many parts of the world, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia, where the disease is endemic. It disproportionately affects low-income populations, placing a heavy burden on healthcare systems, economies, and overall development. Each year, hundreds of millions of people suffer from malaria, leading to high mortality rates, lost productivity, and increased healthcare costs. In 2023, an estimated 263 million malaria cases were reported globally, resulting in approximately 597,000 deaths. 

Beyond the immediate health risks, malaria has long-term economic consequences. High infection rates reduce workforce productivity, strain national healthcare budgets, and slow economic growth. Countries with a high burden of malaria face challenges in education, labor market participation, and poverty reduction, making the fight against malaria not just a health priority but also an economic and social imperative. 

Efforts to combat malaria—through funding, research, and large-scale prevention programs—are essential to protecting vulnerable populations, boosting economic development, and strengthening global health security. By investing in malaria control, nations can reduce disease transmission, improve quality of life, and create more resilient economies for future generations. Globally, between 2000 and 2023, $58.5 billion have been disbursed for malaria, averting a cumulative 2.2 billion malaria cases.  

The United States has provided bilateral assistance to combat malaria in the most affected regions for over two decades. From 2003 to 2023, the US disbursed a total of $15.6 billion for malaria control through the Global Fund (GF) and the U.S. President's Malaria Initiative (PMI)--27% of total global malaria funding over the corresponding timeframe—averting 646.4 million malaria cases at an average cost of US$24.11 per case prevented. Nine out of 86 countries—including Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Tanzania, Uganda, and Ethiopia—accounted for 51.4% of the total cases averted. The variable impact on countries results from various factors, including a disproportionate share of the global malaria burden, high levels of poverty, rapid population growth, widespread exposure to the disease, and fragile healthcare systems. Considering malaria case incidence, U.S. funding for malaria has helped avert 8.7 cases per 1,000 population. 

Economically, malaria significantly hampers growth through healthcare costs, lost productivity, and reduced economic output. By reducing malaria cases, $15.6 billion in US funding has produced a $90.3 billion increase in GDP across recipient countries, generating 5.8 times the economic return for every dollar spent on malaria control. 

In conclusion, US funding for malaria has not only led to a significant reduction in malaria cases but has also boosted the economic growth of malaria-affected countries, which in turn benefits the US through expanded commerce and global stability, demonstrating the value of continued investment in malaria control initiatives. 

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