UK malaria research cuts threaten pandemic readiness, scientists warn
Leading malaria researchers say the sharp reduction in UK funding will weaken the country's ability to respond to future pandemics.
The first Malaria Science Index, a survey of the United Kingdom's leading malaria experts, reveals that most respondents see malaria research as delivering health and security benefits at home. Funding for malaria R&D has dropped from $432 million in 2021 to $351 million in 2024, a decline described as “almost unprecedented.” Scientists highlight that advances in malaria work have produced broader tools, including the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine and promising cancer-fighting uses of the drug Atovaquone.
With climate change bringing mosquito-borne diseases closer to Britain, researchers argue that continued investment is essential for pandemic preparedness. The findings were published during a high-level pandemic-preparedness meeting in New York alongside the UN General Assembly. Gareth Jenkins of Malaria No More UK urges the new government to preserve the country's leading position in malaria science to safeguard both global eradication efforts and UK public health.
Why it matters
Cutting malaria research funding could reduce the UK's capacity to develop tools that help fight future pandemics.
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