01:30, 25 April 2025
Words by Cheyanne Bryan, Editorial and Campaign Marketing Executive, London
As the global community battles the ongoing challenges of neglected diseases, a new report highlights the vital role the UK plays in advancing malaria research – and the remarkable returns this investment could deliver.
For World Malaria Day, it’s the perfect time to recognise the UK’s leadership in this crucial field, by addressing one of the world’s deadliest diseases. The UK is not only making strides in global health but also creating a ripple effect of positive impact that extends far beyond the fight against malaria itself.
Research published by Impact Global Health, in collaboration with the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, reveals that sustained UK investment in neglected disease research, especially malaria, could generate a staggering £1.39 trillion in global societal returns by 2040.
£6 billion in gains have already been realised, and by 2040, the UK economy stands to see an additional £7.7 billion from continued investment in neglected diseases – with malaria being a major contributor.
Neglected diseases are defined in line with the G-FINDER survey, which includes TB, HIV and more in addition to malaria.
Over a quarter of this £7.7 billion is expected to be driven by UK leadership in the fight against malaria. The country’s vital research into malaria treatments, vaccines, and diagnostics continues to save lives and has the potential to actuate further private sector investment, creating nearly 4,000 new jobs within the UK.
With malaria alone responsible for a significant portion of these gains, this work is a prime example of how global health leadership can benefit the UK economy, too.
The case for continued investment is clear. If the UK were to reduce its funding for malaria research, the report warns, it could lead to catastrophic consequences, both for health and for global stability. Sustained funding is essential to ensure that products currently in late-stage trials reach the market, saving more lives and preventing the resurgence of malaria cases. Without this, over 113,000 lives could be lost, and 132,000 additional cases could occur.
However, it’s not all doom and gloom. The report underscores the remarkable progress made by the UK over the past decades, with the UK’s investment in malaria alone having already saved 1.43 million lives and prevented 183 million cases of neglected diseases.
Dr Nick Chapman, CEO of Impact Global Health, emphasises in a statement: “In these uncertain times, it's crucial that governments protect funding for malaria research so that the hard-won gains of the past few decades are not lost, and critical future benefits can be realised. The UK’s leadership in this space is not just about saving lives abroad; it’s also about strengthening the UK economy and ensuring its own health security.”
Similarly, Gareth Jenkins, Executive Director at Malaria No More UK, stresses the importance of continued investment, especially with the looming threats posed by malaria. “The UK’s leadership in the fight against malaria is a perfect example of how we can both save lives and bolster economic security. This is why it’s so important that the government remains committed to organisations like The Global Fund and Gavi, which ensure life-saving tools developed here are rolled out where they are most needed.”
The report concludes with a call to action: continued investment in malaria R&D is not just an opportunity – it’s a responsibility. With the UK leading the charge in global malaria research, it has the chance to save millions of lives.
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three organisations whose causes align with the themes in this article.
Malaria No More UK. This advocacy-focused charity works to encourage policymakers in the UK to support the fight to end malaria. Find out more.
Impact Global Health. Formally known as Policy Cures Research, this organisation exists to ensure that life-saving health innovations reach the people who need them most. Learn more here.
Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. The world's oldest centre of excellence in tropical medicine and international public health, this organisation has been engaged in the fight against infectious, debilitating and disabling diseases since 1898. Support them here.
This article aligns with the Good Health and Wellbeing, Partnerships for the Goals.
