In a groundbreaking new short film, produced by RSA Films Amsterdam, for the campaign Malaria Must Die, So Millions Can Live, David Beckham appears as never been seen before – as an older man in his 70’s – sending a message of hope and optimism from a time in the future when we have eradicated one of the world’s oldest and deadliest diseases: malaria.

Ending this deadly disease has at times felt like a distant dream. The malaria parasite and the mosquito that carries it have been intimidating enemies. 

But this future message from David Beckham gives us hope, reminding us all of what we are capable of achieving when we come together to fight malaria.

The fight now is harder than ever, but if we come together, we have the chance to change the course of history and end a disease that is currently killing a child every two minutes.

Against the backdrop of the ongoing global disruption to malaria control efforts due to the far-reaching impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the film aims to reignite the belief that humankind is capable of uniting to defeat diseases, creating a safer, healthier, stronger world for us all, and for future generations.

A world without malaria ultimately means a safer world for all of us. A world with a robust and resilient global health system needed to fight diseases like malaria is much better prepared to respond to other diseases, such as COVID-19, as well as to tackle future pandemics and health threats.

Beckham is a founding member of Malaria No More UK Leadership Council and a committed champion in the fight against malaria, with over a decade of support for the cause. In his long-term role as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, he has advocated for increased action on malaria and spread awareness of the impact of malaria on people’s lives in the countries where it is prevalent.