Malaria Research and Innovation at USAID

 

A longstanding commitment with proven results

USAID’s investments in malaria research and innovation have changed the landscape of malaria prevention and control. Thanks to USAID support, pioneering studies provided the evidence needed to demonstrate the effectiveness of insecticide-treated mosquito nets. Now, mosquito nets are a core tenet of global malaria prevention and control efforts—protecting families when malaria-carrying mosquitoes are most active, at night. 

USAID has been on the forefront of the fight against drug resistance. USAID support for drug efficacy monitoring provided key evidence on the emergence of artemisinin resistance on the Thai-Cambodia border in the late 2000s. Several new artemisinin-based combination treatments for severe malaria were subsequently developed with USAID support, and the Agency has facilitated widespread introduction of these much-needed treatments.

Current Research Priorities 

Development of malaria vaccines, novel insecticide-based vector control tools, and new antimalarial drugs are USAID's current research and development priorities.

 

 

Innovation

USAID streamlines processes, participates in market shaping initiatives, and works collaboratively with other partners to foster meaningful innovation. As a leading buyer of malaria products, USAID actively engages with the global malaria marketplace to ensure access to quality malaria prevention, diagnosis, and treatment products at affordable prices. Through strategic sourcing and market analysis, USAID contributed to substantial reductions in the price of critical malaria products such as mosquito nets and rapid diagnostic tests. 

USAID also identifies market-shaping opportunities to maximize market forces and accelerate access to lifesaving innovations. USAID and PMI collaborate with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation around innovation, including in the Greater Mekong Subregion where drug resistance threatens impressive progress in malaria control and on operational research.


Learn more about the U.S. President's Malaria Initiative