Swiss TPH Symposium: Malaria in Focus – From Research to Global Action

Since the year 2000, global efforts have averted over 2 billion malaria cases and saved nearly 13 million lives, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). However, this progress is now at risk. The dissolution of USAID, formerly the world’s largest funder of global health programmes, has left a sudden funding gap with direct consequences for malaria control and elimination. Experts estimate that in 2025 alone, reduced US funding could result in 15 million additional malaria cases and over 100,000 preventable deaths. This is further exacerbated by budget cuts to development cooperation and global health research in several countries, including Switzerland. The latest developments are expected to have a knock-on effect on the research pipeline, capacity strengthening and the resilience of health systems.

“Serious investments and innovation have allowed unprecedented progress against malaria, making the vision of a malaria-free world appear tangible,” said Manuel Hetzel, Head of the Health Interventions unit at Swiss TPH and organiser of the symposium. “Reducing our support now is irresponsible. It will lead to unnecessary lives lost and undo progress made in the past.”

Global partners unite at Swiss TPH symposium

The symposium brings together renowned international experts from diverse disciplines and sectors to address current challenges in malaria research and elimination efforts. The programme spans from parasite biology, innovative mosquito control, development of drugs, vaccines and diagnostics, to modelling the impact of climate change on malaria transmission, and implementation research in direct support of control and elimination programmes – highlighting the need for integrated approaches for lasting impact.

Tomorrow, in a high-level panel discussion, leaders from the RBM Partnership to End Malaria, Ifakara Health Institute, Harvard University, Unitaid, and Swiss TPH will discuss how to continue delivering impact through global partnerships in research and innovation – even in a more constrained funding landscape. “At Swiss TPH, we see every day how trusted partnerships can make a difference and save lives,” said Jürg Utzinger, Director of Swiss TPH. “Parasites and mosquitoes don’t stop at borders, if we scale back the fight against malaria, infectious diseases will resurge – with consequences that extend beyond endemic regions, including countries like Switzerland.” 

Swiss TPH’s role in the fight against malaria

Swiss TPH is a leader in global malaria control, with around 200 researchers dedicated to developing new diagnostics, treatments, vaccines as well as vector control strategies. By collaborating with partners on large-scale implementation studies in endemic countries, Swiss TPH provides critical evidence to support decision-makers worldwide. 

As a designated WHO Collaborating Centre for Modelling, Monitoring and Training for Malaria Control and Elimination and a member of the Swiss Malaria Group, Swiss TPH plays a vital role in advancing innovative strategies for malaria elimination.