BUNIA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The Democratic Republic of the Congo, as reported by the National Malaria Control Programme, documented 26,064,143 malaria cases in 2025, highlighting the disease’s widespread impact across the country. Health officials also disclosed that the total number of malaria-related fatalities for the year reached 29,938. Guy Esebe Dembo, deputy director of the National Malaria Control Programme, announced these statistics during the launch of a mass treatment initiative in Ituri province. The campaign aims to address regions where malaria remains a leading cause of illness and exerts significant pressure on healthcare systems.
The campaign was initiated in the health zones of Bunia, Nyakunde, Mungwalu, and Rwampara. Over four days, it seeks to reach more than one million individuals with antimalarial medications. In the first half of 2026, Ituri reported over 373,000 malaria cases and 106 deaths. The health teams involved intend to decrease infection rates and fever cases in affected areas. Additionally, officials hope that health facilities can better identify other serious illnesses when patients arrive exhibiting symptoms similar to malaria.
Malaria’s burden in the country remains among the highest globally. Estimates from the World Health Organization for 2024 suggest 282 million infections worldwide, with roughly 610,000 deaths attributed to the disease. Africa accounts for approximately 95% of both cases and fatalities, with the Democratic Republic of the Congo responsible for 11.7% of malaria deaths in the region. Children under five continue to represent the majority of malaria deaths across Africa, emphasizing the disease’s devastating impact on young children in countries where transmission persists.
Malaria Continues to Be a Major Public Health Issue
Transmission mainly occurs through bites from infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Common symptoms include fever, chills, and headaches, while severe forms of the disease can lead to seizures, breathing difficulties, and extreme weakness. The most dangerous parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, is responsible for most transmission in Africa. Early detection and immediate treatment are crucial for preventing severe cases and fatalities. Preventative strategies such as insecticide-treated mosquito nets, prophylactic medicines, indoor spraying, and community-driven interventions are critical in reducing mosquito exposure and breaking the transmission cycle.
In October 2024, the Democratic Republic of the Congo expanded its malaria prevention efforts with the deployment of the R21 vaccine. The initial phase began in Kongo Central, where the country received 693,500 doses for children. This rollout targeted 173,375 children across 31 health zones. The World Health Organization supported the vaccine’s introduction, collaborating with national health authorities and partners. Vaccination provides an additional line of defense alongside existing measures such as bed nets, preventive treatments, testing, and artemisinin-based medicines for confirmed cases.
Integrated Treatment Campaign Enhances Broader Prevention Strategies
The national malaria plan for 2024–2028 combines multiple approaches to combat persistent transmission in vulnerable communities. These include distributing new insecticide-treated nets, providing preventive treatment for pregnant women and infants, and launching a seasonal malaria chemoprevention pilot. The strategy also incorporates indoor residual spraying, larval source management, rapid diagnostic testing, and administering recommended antimalarial drugs. Surveillance activities and community engagement are integral to the framework. The government aims to shield 80% of at-risk populations from malaria.
The 2025 official figures from the country’s malaria programme reflect the latest data, differing from international modeled estimates. They demonstrate that malaria continues to impact tens of millions of Congolese citizens. The ongoing Ituri mass treatment campaign now forms part of a comprehensive response that includes vaccination, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment efforts. Health authorities remain focused on directing resources toward areas with high transmission to curb infections, severe illness, and fatalities associated with malaria.