Global impact of U.S. Aid cuts on Malaria fight in Africa

|Published 11:11 AM ET, Monday March 10, 2025|

Malaria remains one of the deadliest diseases in Africa, claiming hundreds of thousands of lives annually, particularly among children. The recent decision by the Trump administration to terminate approximately 90% of USAID’s foreign aid contracts has raised significant concerns among African health officials regarding the potential catastrophic impact on malaria control efforts. ​

In countries like Uganda, where malaria is a leading cause of death, the cessation of U.S. funding threatens the supply of critical anti-malarial medicines and mosquito control measures, such as insecticide-treated bed nets and spraying operations. Dr. Jimmy Opigo, head of Uganda’s malaria control program, emphasized the urgent need to maintain these supplies to prevent severe outbreaks. ​

Modeling by Malaria No More suggests that a year of disruption in malaria control efforts could result in 15 million additional cases and 107,000 deaths globally. Health workers in countries like Nigeria, Congo, and Uganda anticipate a severe risk of increased malaria rates, especially in rural and impoverished communities. ​

The U.S. has historically been a major contributor to global health initiatives, including malaria control. The President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), led by USAID and co-implemented with the CDC, has been instrumental in driving U.S. malaria activities. Bilateral funding for malaria rose from $854 million in FY 2015 to about $1 billion in FY 2024, representing 9% of the U.S. global health budget. Despite increases over the past decade, funding had stabilized in recent years. ​

The abrupt reduction in U.S. aid not only jeopardizes malaria control but also threatens broader global health security. For instance, the Democratic Republic of Congo is experiencing an outbreak of a mysterious illness with Ebola-like symptoms. The response to this outbreak has been severely hampered by the recent cuts to USAID, eliminating critical infrastructure and support for disease surveillance and prevention. ​

The significant cuts to U.S. foreign aid under the Trump administration pose a serious threat to malaria control efforts in Africa, potentially leading to increased cases and fatalities. This development underscores the need for alternative funding strategies and international collaboration to sustain essential health interventions in the region.

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