African health officials warn that cases of malaria could worsen as the Trump administration continues to cut USAID’s foreign aid contracts.
Speaking to AP News, health official and head of Uganda’s malaria control program, Dr. Jimmy Opigo, said that the end of 90% of USAID’s assistance programs, which equates to about $60 billion in funds, forced health teams across the continent into “disaster preparedness” focus.
For years, the U.S. has been a main provider of anti-malaria medicine, such as Chloroquine and Artemisinin-based combination therapies, as well as insecticide-treated bed-nets, providing a steady supply to nations around the world.
With the Trump administration’s cut, however, this continuous supply will be disrupted, leading to estimated fatal effects. Per the Malaria No More campaign, an increase of nearly 15 million cases is expected in 2025 with an additional 107,000 fatal cases also predicted across 27 African countries. Even if funding was not affected, an additional 112 million cases of malaria and 280,000 deaths are expected in the future from 2027 to 2029, signifying an increase in urgency in addressing the deadly disease.
Malaria is preventable, treatable, and can be eliminated in our lifetimes — but it will require expanded efforts from the U.S. and global partners. pic.twitter.com/WsPPjnug0W
— Malaria No More (@MalariaNoMore) March 10, 2025
“This analysis underscores that the global fight against malaria is at a moment of peril – if fears of reduced global funding are borne out,” said Professor Pete Gething. “The consequences will be dire for vulnerable populations – and especially young children – across Africa.”
Malaria is currently the deadliest disease with no cure in Africa. Although cases are found across the continent, Nigeria, Congo and Uganda are the countries that are most burdened by the illness.
Per the WHO, Nigeria accounts for almost 27% of global malaria cases, recording 68 million cases and 194,000 deaths in the nation alone. Meanwhile, in Congo, 11.3% of all global cases were recorded.
To aid, the U.S. has previously contributed $600 million through supplies such as 164 million fast-acting medicines and 83 million insecticide-treated bed nets to Nigeria and about $650 million to the Congo.
Thank you, @RepBera, for emphasizing the critical importance of U.S. #malaria programs, both abroad and at home.
— Malaria No More (@MalariaNoMore) March 6, 2025
Via @devex: https://t.co/4gpYmLTkjY pic.twitter.com/HNSqD73LjL
As for Uganda, a country that recorded 12.6 million malaria cases two years ago, mosquito-spraying operations funded by USAID have already been suspended, signifying the start of a worsening situation.
Symptoms of malaria include flu-like symptoms, chills, headaches, muscle aches, nausea and vomiting. Severe cases of the illness include anemia, jaundice and kidney failure.
