The Swiss Tropical Institute was founded in 1943 as a public organisation. It is supported by the Swiss Federal Government and the Canton of Basel-Stadt (total 21%). The greater part of the funding is from competitively acquired project funds and the earnings of the Service Departments (Medical Services and Swiss Center for International Health).

The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) coordinates Switzerland’s foreign political activities on behalf of the Swiss government. It ensures that the objectives laid down in the federal constitution find expression in a coherent foreign policy. In this way, the FDFA effectively protects Switzerland’s interests.