Improved Access to Life-Saving Malaria Drugs in the United Kingdom

The UK government has announced a significant funding of £7.4 million to make malaria drugs and tests more accessible for countries around the world, with over 50 million people expected to benefit by 2027. This support for MedAccess will help negotiate lower prices for vital malaria drugs and diagnostic tests in countries affected by the disease, ultimately saving lives in sub-Saharan Africa where malaria is a major killer of children.

The total UK support to MedAccess now stands at £17.4 million, enabling 1 million people to access new diagnostic tests and 120 million patients to receive anti-malarial treatments. This funding will ensure stable supply and affordable prices for manufacturers, even in uncertain demand markets.

On World Malaria Day, Deputy Foreign Secretary and Minister for Development and Africa, Andrew Mitchell, highlighted the importance of making drugs available at the best possible price to countries in need. The UK-Indian developed RTS,S vaccine is also being rolled out in Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Benin, marking a significant milestone in the fight against malaria.

Collaboration between British scientists and Indian manufacturers has resulted in the development of essential malaria vaccines, with 22 countries set to roll out the vaccine. Gavi, funded by the UK, aims to immunize over 6 million children from malaria by 2025.

The UK funding for MedAccess will also benefit other health products for HIV, TB, and malaria, ultimately improving access to life-saving treatments. Chief Executive Officer for MedAccess, Michael Anderson, expressed gratitude for the continued support from the UK government, emphasizing the importance of reducing costs and improving patient access to essential health products.