Devex: Q&A: Amid concerns, Lancet Commission eyes 2050 for malaria eradication

“In 2017, 26 experts comprising the Lancet Commission on malaria eradication, were confronted with a question: How close is a future with no malaria at all? In a new report published Sept. 8, the commission answers the question: Can the world can be malaria-free by 2050. There are a number of measures needed for this to happen, the experts said in the report: better use of data and partnerships with the private sector; country, regional, and global leadership and accountability; new and better drugs, insecticides, and diagnostics; and more financing. The world will need an additional $2 billion investment per year for malaria, on top of currently estimated annual spending levels of $4.3 billion. … But given the challenges and failure of past eradication attempts, some experts have called for caution in once again setting end dates for malaria eradication. Devex spoke to [Richard Feachem, head of the commission] about these concerns…” (Ravelo, 9/9).

 

Reuters: Malaria can be eradicated by 2050, say global experts

“In a major report on Sunday, 41 specialists said a future free of malaria — one of the world’s oldest and deadliest diseases — can be achieved as early as 2050. This contradicted the conclusions last month of a malaria review by the World Health Organization and the experts urged the WHO not to shy away from this ‘goal of epic proportions.’ This contradicted the conclusions last month of a malaria review by the World Health Organization and the experts urged the WHO not to shy away from this ‘goal of epic proportions.’ To meet that target, however, governments, scientists, and public health leaders need to inject more money and innovation into fighting the disease and the mosquitoes that carry it, the report said — something that will require ‘ambition, commitment, and partnership like never before’…” (Kelland, 9/8).

 

Additional coverage of The Lancet Commission’s report is available from BBC News, Globe and Mail, Science, and TIME.