World Malaria Day 2023
Although malaria could be prevented and treated, global investment in the fight against the disease is declining. Switzerland plays a pioneering role in the field of innovations to combat malaria. The country should also adopt this role in financial terms. Therefore, World Malaria Day is a reminder that the goal of a malaria-free world must remain on the political agenda.
Switzerland plays an important role in the fight against malaria. In this hospital in Mozambique, Swiss actors are involved in a research programme on malaria treatment (Photo: Martin Leschhorn)
Malaria kills. More than half of the world’s population is still at risk of dying from the bite of a mosquito. In 2021 alone, there were 247 million cases of malaria worldwide. Over 600,000 people died from the disease. Particularly tragic: most of the deaths involved children under the age of five.
To put an end to this madness, this year’s World Malaria Day on 25 April 2023, under the motto “Investment, Innovation, Implementation,” aims to ensure that malaria remains firmly on the political agenda. After all, the disease could easily be stopped with preventive measures and treated with medication. In addition to innovations, political will and corresponding financial investments are important for this.
Switzerland is a hub of innovation in the fight against malaria
Switzerland is a pioneer in innovation: for decades, actors in Switzerland have contributed fundamentally to the development and distribution of drugs, vaccines, diagnostics, bed nets and insecticides. With a unique constellation of actors, including international organisations, high-level academic institutions, the pharmaceutical industry, product development partnerships and a strong civil society, Switzerland is an innovation powerhouse in the fight against malaria and other diseases.
Success stories
Through a variety of innovations, Switzerland has helped prevent more than 11 million people from dying from malaria over the last 20 years. This is a great success in improving global health and shows that a world without malaria would be possible. Thanks to the commitment of Switzerland and the international community, more and more countries are being certified as malaria-free - most recently China, Azerbaijan and Tajikistan.
More funding is needed
Despite these successes, there is now an annual funding gap of around US$ 3.8 billion to continue successfully fighting malaria. “The gap between global investment and the resources needed increases dramatically every year,” says Christian Lengeler, President of the Swiss Malaria Group and malaria expert at the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH). “This is also a challenge for Switzerland: As one of the richest countries in the world, we should show more political will and make appropriate investments to banish malaria to the annals of history once and for all.”