MUMBAI: The World Malaria Report 2012 released early this week waves a flag of concern about the shrinking global funding for malaria. The report raises concern about countries reaching the Millennium Development Goals in the light of the fact that global funding for malaria treatment and prevention has plateaued.
"An estimated $ 5.1 billion is needed every year between 2011 and 2020 to achieve universal access to malaria interventions in the 99 countries with on-going malaria transmission. While many countries have increased domestic financing for malaria control, the total available global funding remained at 2.3 billion in 2011 - less than half of what is needed," states the report.
India which has the highest burden in South East Asia must brace for the financial crunch. The report estimates 219 million cases of malaria in 2010 and worryingly India alongwith the Democratic Republic of Congo and Nigeria account for 40% of these. The good news is that the country is projected to reduce malaria incidence by 50 to 75 % by 2015.
While the government funds much of India's malaria control programme, there is still substantial dependence on support from the Global Fund and World Bank.
The World Health Organisation has pointed out that the slowdown may undo the gains of the past. In Subsaharan Africa, the distribution of anti-malaria nets has been hit from a peak of 145 million in 2010 to an estimated 66 million in 2012. India should re-evaluate its funding mechanisms and prepare for the transition.
India should brace for WHO warnings on malaria funding
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India should brace for WHO warnings on malaria funding
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India should brace for WHO warnings on malaria funding
