A new report from Malaria No More UK has revealed that meeting the World Health Organisation (WHO) target of reducing malaria by 90 per cent by 2030 could add $126.9 billion to Africa’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The report was shared by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, on its website on Tuesday.
Titled “The malaria dividend,” the report used data and analysis from Oxford Economics Africa and noted that the potential economic benefits of reducing malaria cases are substantial.
It was claimed that Nigeria’s economy could earn $35 billion and international trade $80.7 billion by 2030.
“This economic boost would add $35 billion to Nigeria’s economy – already one of the largest on the continent – and could boost international trade by $80.7 billion by 2030,” the report said.
Malaria burden in Africa
The world is unlikely to meet the WHO’s 2030 target of reducing malaria cases and deaths by 90 percent, the report said.
He said malaria kills 600,000 people each year, with 95 percent of deaths occurring in Africa, mostly among children under five.
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He added that the disease also affects working-age adults, leading to loss of income and higher health care costs, resulting in a significant economic burden.
According to the report, the fight against malaria has been hampered by a combination of factors, including climate change, conflict, drug and insecticide resistance, and the COVID-19 pandemic, creating a “perfect storm” that has slowed progress in reducing malaria cases and deaths.
“While great progress was made in the first two decades of the century – the global malaria mortality rate was halved between 2000 and 2015 and the incidence of cases fell by 26 percent – the fight is far from over,” the report said.
He further suggested that achieving a 90 percent reduction in malaria by 2030 is still possible with collective efforts and the introduction of new tools, such as advanced vaccines and other revolutionary innovations that could turn the tide in the fight against malaria.
It was revealed that reducing the economic burden of malaria would allow countries to improve their overall health care systems, including modernizing diagnostic capabilities and health personnel, leading to greater health and economic security.
Money
The report notes that continued support from organizations like Gavi and the Global Fund is crucial to combat malaria and other diseases by fostering a stronger link between health and economic stability globally.
“In the short term of the next 18 months, the need to adequately fund both the Global Fund and Gavi in their next replenishments cannot be overstated,” he said.
It was highlighted that the connection between health and economic security is far-reaching and that investments in health care yield significant economic benefits.
Citing a report by the World Economic Forum and the McKinsey Health Institute, the report noted that addressing the women’s health gap could add $1 trillion to the global economy by 2040, preventing 24 million years lost due to disability and providing a $400 billion economic boost.
Malaria in Nigeria
Malaria transmission within the country is high and even higher in rural communities located on the banks of major rivers and bodies of water.
The disease is caused by tiny parasites called plasmodium, which are commonly found in mosquitoes.
The National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP) reports that malaria is responsible for 60 percent of outpatient visits to health facilities nationwide and 30 percent of childhood deaths.
Globally, there are an estimated 249 million cases of malaria and 608,000 malaria deaths in 85 countries.
The African region bears a disproportionately high share of the global malaria burden.