Malaria Elimination Initiative publishes on impact of Global Fund and costs to eliminate malaria

In a new article published in PLOS ONE, “Costs of Eliminating Malaria and the Impact of the Global Fund in 34 Countries”, researchers at the Malaria Elimination Initiative assess historical funding from The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (Global Fund) to the 34 malaria-eliminating countries between 2005 -2010 and estimate future funding requirements for these countries to achieve their respective elimination goal and prevent reintroduction until 2030.

Findings suggest that Global Fund financing for elimination has been critical in driving down burden, but financing may be declining as the Global Fund prioritizes higher burden, low income countries under the New Funding Model. Countries may find it difficult to shift from donor to domestic financing quickly enough to fill any financial gaps. The article also highlights the estimated costs to eliminate malaria using a deterministic model tailored to interventions in elimination settings. The article estimates US$8.5 billion will be required for all 34 countries to reach elimination by the country’s respective target elimination year and to prevent reintroduction until 2030. These projected costs estimates provide policymakers and donors an indication of the level of financial resources that should be mobilized to achieve malaria elimination goals in the 34 malaria-eliminating countries.