Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV)

Malaria is spread by the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito, which transmits the Plasmodium parasite into the bloodstream. Despite significant progress over the past 15 years, malaria remains a major global public health issue, with 249 million malaria cases in 2022, an increase of 5 million from 2021. Malaria is responsible for more than 600,000 deaths annually. Africa accounts for 94% of global malaria cases and 95% of deaths. In 2022, 78% of all deaths in the region were among children under five.

With 25 years of successful malaria research and an innovative pipeline of antimalarial tools, Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) is well positioned to drive progress in towards malaria control and elimination. Medicines for Malaria Venture's strategy to 2030 focuses on developing cost-effective medicines that address malaria treatment (artemisinin) resistance, offer more convenient treatments, target vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant women, and are designed for low-cost production in partnership with malaria-endemic countries.

Switzerland plays a leading role in the global fight against malaria. Swiss research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, international NGOs and international cooperation are at the forefront of this effort. SDC’s support encompasses a variety of approaches, with specific interventions in research and development, financing, and policy influencing at both global and bilateral levels. SDC's renewed support to MMV since 1999 ensures continued research and development and access to malaria prevention, vaccines, and antimalarial treatments.

1. The cure of patients while addressing resistance is improved.
2. The prevention of malaria by expanding modern technologies is increased.
3. The elimination of malaria is advanced.

Expected results:  

1. Treatment resistance is delayed with an optimized use of combined drugs.
2. Chemoprevention to a broader population is extended.
3. New protective medicines for at-risk groups are developed.
4. Combinations and synergies of prevention technologies are explored.
5. Treatment and elimination of all Plasmodium parasite species are ensured.

Results from previous phases:   Since 2010MMV has launched 15 medicines for malaria prevention and clinical case management, enabling the delivery of 1.1 billion high-quality, low-cost medicines has and helping to avert 13.6 million malaria deaths. From 2019 to 2024, MMV and its partners worked to expand access to approved, high-quality medicines for managing and preventing diseases. They focused on identifying and addressing gaps in treatment, particularly for children and pregnant women. Additionally, they advanced the development of next-generation treatments that provide clear benefits over existing options.