Coronavirus or malaria, tuberculosis and HIV?

More than seven million lives have been saved from malaria in the past 20 years, but progress in fighting the disease has been hindered as efforts are diverted to the coronavirus pandemic.

The World Health Organization (WHO) expects the target for reducing malaria to be significantly missed this year as funding shortfalls are putting thousands of lives at risk.

Only $3bn was received last year when more than $5bn was needed.

Interventions as simple as using nets and residual spraying can help prevent the mosquito-borne disease.

The WHO is urging nations to step up their efforts for a world free of malaria.

What has the pandemic done to the decades-long efforts to control malaria and other diseases?

Presenter: Bernard Smith

Guests:

Jeremy Herren – scientist at the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology

Dr Martin De Smet – physician and leader of the Doctors Without Borders Malaria Working Group

John Fleming – Asia Pacific head of the regional health unit at the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies