Africa is bearing the brunt of the burden. Progress in the fight against the disease has stalled in recent years, largely due to climate change, increased conflict, resistance to drugs and insecticides, and funding shortages.
Malaria, which is spread by certain types of mosquitoes, causes an estimated 600,000 deaths per year, with pregnant women and children under the age of five accounting for most fatalities.
Figures for 2025 are not yet available but Sands said he expected “an increase in the number of children dying of malaria this year in part due to the reductions in funding”.
According to Sands, a study by the Roll Back Malaria initiative suggests there could be more than 100,000 additional deaths this year. He also expressed concern about the potential long-term impact on research.
The Global Fund, which raises money in three-year “Replenishment” cycles, hopes to secure 15.4 billion euros ($18 billion) by the end of November for the next period.
This could save up to 23 million lives between 2027 and 2029, according to a Global Fund statement.
