USA

An ancient disease is making a comeback, and every American should be concerned

Since its launch in 2005, the U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative has been one of the most effective programs the U.S. government has conducted abroad. Working with partners such as the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, it has helped reduce malaria death rates in supported countries: almost half.

These efforts prevented more 2 billion cases got rid of malaria 14 million lives – mostly children. In doing so, it stands as a clear demonstration of American leadership and strengthens the United States’ reputation as a reliable partner committed to saving lives and strengthening global health security.

But data show that progress has slowed in some parts of the world due to the evolution of the disease itself. Mosquitoes are adapting to the tools we’ve used for decades, and pesticides and insecticides that once worked are losing their edge. malaria no more chief murderer Children in many African countries

A renewed emphasis on fighting malaria should be at the center of the Trump administration America’s First Global Health Strategy. When infectious diseases re-emerge, they don’t just stay “there.” They threaten our economic and national security in the United States

The president’s strategy promises a disciplined approach to global health assistance; Instead of trying to do everything everywhere, it rightly prioritizes areas where the United States has a distinct advantage, especially through American innovation. Malaria fits this vision well.

Breakthrough technologies developed and manufactured in the United States have the potential to sharply reduce malaria transmission when implemented at scale. For example, SC Johnson’s new spatial repellents can protect families without requiring constant adaptation. Rapid diagnosis enables earlier treatment, while advanced vector control methods and new drugs aim to leave pesticide and drug resistance behind. Malaria vaccines introduced through global vaccination partnerships can further reduce serious illness and child mortality when combined with bed nets and preventive treatments.

None of these tactics are a silver bullet. But when used together, they give us a real chance of eradicating malaria. And it’s not just about doing the right thing. It’s about doing what’s smart for us and the communities affected, while putting countries on a path to self-sufficiency rather than permanent dependence.

Healthier countries are more stable. They are better trading partners. Their economies are growing rather than collapsing under the weight of disease. This creates opportunities for American businesses and reduces the instability that leads to conflict and large numbers of immigrants arriving at our border.

And the risks are even clearer for the US military. Malaria in tropical environments has historically sidelined American troops rather than fight. That’s why the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research has invested decades in research into the prevention and treatment of malaria. Fighting malaria abroad is not charity; It’s part of protecting our men and women in uniform.

There’s a reason malaria programs have had bipartisan support for so long: they work, and they directly serve America’s interests. One practical step to strengthen this effort is to re-establish a clear line of accountability by delegating the authority of the U.S. Global Malaria Coordinator to a leader at the State Department. Investing in a senior official with real authority over budget and strategy who is responsible for outcomes and impacts, not just the process, will help American taxpayers’ investments remain focused and effective.

If we lose sight of our goal now, malaria will come back stronger. In the end, we will spend more money, not less. And we will leave room for adversaries like China who are more than willing to step in where we retreat.

We are closer than ever to ending malaria completely. This didn’t happen by chance. This happened because the United States remained engaged, focused, and demanded results.

It doesn’t take a spending spree to get the job done. It takes discipline, supporting what works, and continuing to invest in the innovations the United States can bring to the table. If we do this, this is a fight we will win.

Mark Green served as administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development and is a former Republican U.S. congressman representing Wisconsin’s 8th District. William Steiger is CEO of Malaria No More and served as Green’s chief of staff at USAID.

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