IVCC’s Director of Communications and Operations, Chris Larkin, joined Malaria No More UK‘s roundtable, “Sustaining the UK’s Malaria Science Superpower”, at the Labour Party Conference this week in Liverpool.
Chris described a difficult moment for malaria control. The potential for innovation has never been stronger, but without continued investment in the research and development of new tools, including insecticide-treated nets, resistance will return. At the same time, the sector faces its most severe funding cuts.
Malaria research has delivered tools that reduce transmission and save lives. Chris stressed the importance of communicating these benefits clearly to demonstrate the value of continued investment at a time when funding is under severe pressure.
The roundtable brought together MPs, policymakers and representatives from the third sector, industry and NGOs. Participants discussed the UK’s position as a leading funder of malaria research, the importance of international scientific partnerships, and how research and development to prevent, treat, and ultimately eradicate malaria supports UK jobs and scientific expertise. They also considered how malaria research can strengthen preparedness for other mosquito-borne diseases, benefiting global health security.
The discussion highlighted a central challenge: promising malaria innovations need sustained investment to fulfil their potential. Participants emphasised the need for a coordinated approach across diseases and a shared case for long-term, stable funding. For IVCC, this funding is essential to continue developing vector control tools that tackle insecticide resistance and protect people at risk of malaria.
