Explainer: EBC’s Renewed Partnership with United to Beat Malaria

Why the Campaign Matters

Malaria remains one of the world’s deadliest-yet entirely preventable-diseases, claiming over 600,000 lives annually, with more than 75% of deaths occurring in children under five. The disease disproportionately affects communities in Africa, Latin America, and Asia, where access to healthcare and prevention tools is limited. Malaria is not just a health crisis; it is an economic and social issue, deepening the divide between developed and underprivileged regions and impacting workforce productivity and community well-being.

What Actions EBC Is Taking

1. Deepening Corporate Commitment

EBC Financial Group has renewed and expanded its partnership with the United Nations Foundation’s United to Beat Malaria campaign in 2025, moving from a supportive ally to an active advocate and sponsor. This year, EBC is increasing its corporate sponsorship, mobilising its global workforce, and investing directly in frontline health interventions.

2. Global Employee Mobilisation and Advocacy

EBC is embedding the campaign into its leadership strategy and employee culture. Over 200 employees across the UK, Africa, Asia, and Latin America are participating in the Move Against Malaria 5K 2025, a global virtual challenge encouraging walking, running, cycling, or any movement to raise awareness and funds for malaria prevention. EBC’s participation as a first-time corporate sponsor of this event demonstrates a step up from last year’s involvement, highlighting a shift from solidarity to action.

3. Direct Investment in Life-Saving Tools

EBC is directing funds towards critical malaria interventions, including insecticide-treated bed nets, rapid diagnostic tests, and antimalarial treatments. These resources are channelled to frontline health programmes in Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean-regions bearing the highest burden of malaria worldwide.

4. Supporting Systems and Grassroots Initiatives

Beyond funding, EBC is supporting both global systems for malaria eradication and grassroots efforts that directly protect vulnerable communities. The partnership is part of EBC’s broader Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategies, reflecting a commitment to sustainable growth and global well-being.

The Impact on Global Health and Communities

1. Saving Lives and Protecting the Vulnerable

EBC’s partnership enables United to Beat Malaria to reach at-risk communities and deliver life-saving interventions. In 2024 alone, the campaign helped protect over 1.67 million people in high-risk regions, including five African nations and 20 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. These efforts save lives, protect children and families, and help build healthier, more resilient communities.

2. Raising Awareness and Building Solidarity

By engaging employees and communities worldwide, EBC is helping to raise awareness about malaria’s impact and the importance of prevention. The campaign’s theme for 2025, “Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite,” calls for global solidarity and renewed investment in the fight against malaria.

3. Driving Economic and Social Progress

Combating malaria not only improves health outcomes but also supports economic development by reducing healthcare costs, improving productivity, and narrowing the gap between developed and underprivileged regions. EBC’s involvement highlights the role of the private sector in advancing global health equity.

In summary:

EBC’s renewed partnership with United to Beat Malaria is about more than corporate philanthropy-it’s a strategic, action-oriented commitment to global health. By investing in prevention tools, mobilising a worldwide workforce, and supporting both systemic and grassroots initiatives, EBC is helping to save lives, empower communities, and drive progress towards a malaria-free world.