The UK government has announced its commitment to enhancing access to malaria drugs, aiming to combat one of the leading causes of child mortality in sub-Saharan Africa.

With over 600,000 annual deaths worldwide from malaria, a preventable and treatable disease, the UK's £7.4 million funding for MedAccess will facilitate negotiations for lower prices on crucial malaria drugs and diagnostic tests in affected countries.

This contribution brings the UK's total support for MedAccess to £17.4 million, enabling one million individuals to access new diagnostic tests and ensuring anti-malarial treatments reach 120 million patients. MedAccess plays a pivotal role by guaranteeing sales volumes in uncertain markets, allowing manufacturers to commit to affordable pricing and consistent supply. In return, manufacturers receive payment assurances even if demand projections aren't met.

Over the next three years, it is anticipated that more than 50 million people will benefit from improved access to drugs and essential medical supplies. This announcement coincides with World Malaria Day, championed by the World Health Organization to advocate for sustained attention, resource mobilization, and community empowerment in the fight against malaria.

Deputy Foreign Secretary and Minister for Development and Africa, Andrew Mitchell, emphasized the importance of ensuring affordability and accessibility of malaria drugs for countries in need. Mitchell highlighted the significant strides made in malaria prevention through British scientific endeavors, including the development of life-saving vaccines.

Additionally, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Benin are set to commence the rollout of the RTS,S vaccine, a joint UK-Indian initiative, marking a significant milestone in malaria eradication efforts. Collaboration between British scientists and Indian manufacturers has resulted in the development of essential vaccines, such as RTS,S and R21, with two million children vaccinated since 2019.

The UK's partnership with organizations like Gavi, funded by the UK, aims to immunize over six million children against malaria by the end of 2025. Furthermore, UK funding enables MedAccess to drive down the costs of innovative health products for HIV, TB, and malaria, amplifying the impact of support for organizations like Gavi and the Global Fund.

Chief Executive Officer for MedAccess, Michael Anderson, expressed gratitude for the continued support from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), highlighting MedAccess's commitment to enhancing access to essential health products while improving value for money. The announcement of renewed funding on World Malaria Day underscores the collective effort to accelerate malaria prevention and control globally. Photo by Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Wikimedia commons.