A resolution to recognize the importance of World Malaria Day, support continued U.S. leadership in global malaria reduction efforts, and aim for a 90% reduction in malaria cases and deaths by 2030.
Roger Wicker
Senator
MS
This resolution expresses the Senate's support for World Malaria Day and recognizes the importance of combating malaria globally for both humanitarian reasons and U.S. national interests. It highlights the progress made through U.S.-supported initiatives and sets goals for further reducing malaria cases and deaths. The resolution encourages continued U.S. leadership and public-private partnerships to develop better tools for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
Senate Resolution Backs World Malaria Day Goals, Touting U.S. Benefits and Aiming for 90% Malaria Cut by 2030
This resolution formally throws the Senate's weight behind World Malaria Day, observed annually on April 25th. It's more than just a symbolic gesture; it reaffirms a significant U.S. commitment: supporting the global goal to slash malaria cases and deaths by 90% by the year 2030. The resolution highlights continued American involvement through established channels like the President's Malaria Initiative (PMI) and contributions to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
Malaria's Reach: Beyond the Headlines
So, why the continued focus? While malaria was eliminated in the U.S. back in the 1950s, it remains a major global health crisis, hitting regions like Africa especially hard. The scale is staggering: estimates point to 263 million cases across 83 countries and nearly 597,000 deaths worldwide in 2023 alone. Young children and pregnant women are disproportionately affected. And it's not entirely distant – the resolution notes an average of 2,000 malaria cases are imported into the U.S. each year by travelers. Critically, global progress against the disease has recently stalled, adding urgency to these efforts.
Skin in the Game: Why the U.S. Cares
This resolution explicitly frames the fight against malaria as being squarely in the U.S. national interest. It argues that reducing malaria globally enhances safety for American travelers and military personnel abroad, helps prevent the disease from re-establishing itself within U.S. borders, and promotes global stability. The text also connects malaria control to countering influence from competitors like China. Furthermore, it outlines potential economic benefits: fostering innovation within U.S. research institutions and organizations, potentially expanding markets for American exports (citing a possible $1.48 billion increase if 2030 targets are met), and protecting taxpayer money – prevention costs are estimated between $0.53 and $5.97 per person, far less than the $145.23 average cost cited for treating a severe case.
The Path Forward: Tools, Threats, and Teamwork
Looking ahead, the resolution signals continued U.S. leadership and investment. It endorses public-private partnerships aimed at developing better tools for malaria prevention, diagnosis, and treatment – a key point given the acknowledged threats of insecticide and drug resistance. The resolution also commends malaria-affected countries for taking ownership of control programs, emphasizing local leadership alongside international support. In essence, it's a formal statement reinforcing existing U.S. policy and encouraging sustained commitment towards the ambitious 2030 reduction goals.