New research highlights positive ‘ripple effects’ of global health R&D
By Impact Global Health 18 June 2026
Research summary
New research published today highlights the positive ‘ripple effects’ to high-income countries (HICs) generated by research and development (R&D) into global health in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
As governments look for their spending to go further at a time of constrained public finances, the research demonstrates how global health R&D funding not only helps tackle diseases in LMICs, but also generates significant returns for HICs through reduced disease burden, health system cost savings, and more efficient use of resources.
The research was conducted by Impact Global Health (IGH), a not-for-profit research and policy organisation focused on global health R&D across neglected diseases, emerging infectious diseases and women’s health. This latest report focuses on a range of HICs and regions including the United Kingdom, United States, European Union and Japan.
Case study overview
The five new case studies included are listed below.
- Sleeping sickness: A sleeping sickness drug (DFMO) which was repurposed to treat relapses of a rare brain cancer (neuroblastoma) in children. More than 1,600 children’s lives could be saved across the UK and EU by 2050, valued by society at over $10 billion across the UK and EU.
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection: A vaccine for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection, which was powered by an adjuvant (called AS01) for the RTS,S malaria vaccine. Around 7.4 million cases of respiratory syncytial virus acute respiratory infection (RSV-ARI) are projected to be averted by 2050 in the European Union through this vaccine, resulting in approximately $4.7 billion in health system savings.
- Tuberculosis: A vaccine for tuberculosis (TB) (called M72/AS01E), which also uses the AS01 adjuvant. Approximately 172,000 TB cases are projected to be averted by 2050 in Japan following the introduction of this vaccine, resulting in around $2 billion in health system savings.
- Rotavirus: A rotavirus vaccine which was developed primarily for LMICs before being part of routine childhood immunisation programmes across many HICs. Around 1.3 million rotavirus cases are projected to be averted by 2050 in the UK through routine child immunisation with this vaccine, generating over $500 million in projected savings for the NHS.
- Human papillomavirus: Evidence generated in LMICs shows that one dose of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine gives the same protection as two doses and is now reshaping immunisation policy in HICs. With fewer doses leading to increased coverage: An estimated 400 additional cervical cancer cases projected to be averted by 2050 in the UK through the adoption of a one-dose HPV vaccination schedule, generating $6 million in health system savings and a further $369 million in programme delivery cost savings.
Analysis and calls to action
These benefits emerge, the new report explains, in part through the strengthening of scientific networks, acceleration of innovation and enabling of knowledge transfer which can all be enhanced through R&D into global health.
This builds on previous research by Impact Global Health on the ‘ripple effects’ of global health R&D, which found that $71 billion in funding between 2007 and 2023 from HIC governments generated $511 billion in GDP growth and is supporting 643,000 jobs across HICs.
Impact Global Health is calling for sustained long-term investment in global health R&D by repositioning it as a driver of domestic growth and stability, helping to protect against the shocks being felt across the sector. In addition, this should be accompanied by efforts to strengthen the conditions that enable innovation to thrive, including by investing in regulatory systems and skilled workforces.
Dr Nick Chapman, Chief Executive Officer of Impact Global Health, said:
“Research into neglected diseases is like opening a previously unopened door of scientific discovery, and what lies beyond is a wealth of insights which can save lives right around the world. Our research shows, for example, that the next blockbuster cancer drug might not be discovered by looking for a cure for cancer but could come from neglected disease research.
“This is why investment in global health research should be seen by governments globally as an opportunity to generate positive ripple effects which will benefit their own populations as well as those in countries with lower incomes.
“With constrained public finances and inward-facing policy priorities, we should view investment in neglected diseases as another lever for boosting national health, security and economic prosperity, as well as a means of saving lives around the world.”
For the full report and case study 'deep-dives', visit: https://www.impactglobalhealth.org/insights/report-library/ripple-effect-3