The economic impact of US funding for malaria

The report evaluates the direct and indirect economic benefits of US funding for malaria control through two major channels: the US President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GF). Between 2003 and 2023, the US disbursed approximately $15.6 billion via these mechanisms, accounting for over a quarter of global malaria funding during this period and helping to avert 646.4 million cases. However, these funds, and by extension, the effectiveness of malaria programs and their value chains, have come under threat as the US and other key donors curtailed their foreign assistance initiatives in 2025.

Malaria remains one of the most pressing public health and development challenges globally, with countries in sub-Saharan Africa carrying a disproportionately high share of the worldwide malaria burden. Each year, more than 225 million people suffer from the preventable parasitic infection, leading to undue mortality, lost productivity, and below potential economic growth and development. Children under the age of five continue to carry an excessive burden of malaria deaths, with over 50 children succumbing to the disease each hour.

Despite progress, the disease continues to undermine productivity, strain healthcare systems, and threaten socio-economic stability – particularly in regions with fragile infrastructure, limited fiscal capacity, and weaker institutional capabilities to combat its effects. In this context, targeted external support has played a critical role in the global fight against malaria and in mitigating its broader economic consequences.

By applying a robust macroeconomic framework, this study quantifies the scale of malaria cases averted due to US funding deployed to prevent the disease since 2003 and assesses the consequent impacts of these efforts on the economies of the recipient countries. Amongst others, we find that every $24.11 spent on malaria averted 1 case and prevented $139.7 in GDP losses. Beyond the immediate productivity, economic, and health impacts, the report highlights broader benefits driven by US malaria funding, including the development of domestic industry through local procurement, enhanced national pharmaceutical manufacturing, and strengthened public health systems.

US funding for malaria is also accompanied by technical assistance to build local institutional capacity and improve the human capital complements of recipient countries. Moreover, innovative technologies and partnerships with other organizations can enhance the effectiveness and reach of efforts to eliminate the parasitic infection. These investments not only save lives but also create enabling environments for economic development and long-term resilience.

The economic gains brought about by US funding disbursed via the GF and PMI are reciprocal, as the US benefits from expanded commerce, trade, and diplomatic channels. At a time when the global community faces increasing uncertainty in development financing, this study offers compelling evidence of the sustained value and return on investment of US leadership in global health. These findings underscore the strategic importance of continued and expanded support to malaria-endemic regions – not only to meet public health goals, but to foster inclusive economic growth and global stability.