Eliminating malaria could make Africa richer and help global trade, according to a new study.
Researchers found that reducing malaria by 90% by 2030 could bring Africa an extra $126.9 billion. That’s more than the entire economy of Niger!
Exports from African countries affected by malaria could also increase by $31 billion. G7 countries like the United States and the United Kingdom would also benefit from this growth. This shows why it’s important for these countries to keep investing in eliminating malaria.
Currently, malaria kills more than 600,000 people each year. Thanks to efforts to fight this disease, 2.1 billion cases have been prevented and 11.7 million lives have been saved since 2000. Children are the most affected, making up three-quarters of the deaths. Malaria also impacts adults, leading to more absences from work, lower incomes, and high healthcare costs. Sick children often miss school, which hinders their education and future.
Countries like Nigeria, Kenya, and Angola could gain $35 billion, $9 billion, and $8.5 billion respectively by 2030. These gains could improve health systems, strengthen diagnostics, train more healthcare workers, and enhance medical infrastructure. This would also help better prepare these countries and the world against future pandemics.
This study comes just before the G7 leaders’ summit in Italy. G7 countries have helped create global health initiatives like Gavi and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. These organizations provide significant funding to combat malaria and achieve the 2030 goals. With new tools like vaccines and next-generation bed nets, these goals can still be met through concerted efforts.
