The Economist calls on the global community to get firmly behind eradicating malaria, among a short list of other diseases.The end is in sight for one of humanity’s deadliest plagues. However, the tenacity of malaria means that much more money will be required to wipe it out. While the U.S. Government invests heavily in the fight against malaria, both through the Global Fund and the President’s Malaria Initiative, more resources are needed. The Gates Foundation estimates that to remain on track to eradicate malaria, funding must double between now and 2025. Despite the steep price tag, the pay-off is far bigger: the total economic benefits of eradication from productivity gains and health savings are estimated at more than $2 trillion.
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