BUNIA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / RankWire.AI / – In 2025, the Democratic Republic of the Congo reported a total of 26,064,143 malaria cases, highlighting the extensive reach of the disease nationwide. Officials also documented 29,938 deaths linked to malaria during the same period. Guy Esebe Dembo, deputy director of the National Malaria Control Programme, revealed these figures at the kickoff event for a mass treatment initiative in Ituri province. The campaign aims to address regions where malaria continues to be a leading cause of illness and strains on healthcare facilities.
The launch of the Ituri operation covered the health zones of Bunia, Nyakunde, Mungwalu, and Rwampara. Over four days, the effort will serve more than one million residents with antimalarial medications. During the first half of 2026, Ituri recorded over 373,000 malaria cases and 106 fatalities. The initiative’s goal is to curb infection rates and reduce fever cases in affected communities while enabling health centers to more effectively diagnose other severe illnesses, especially when symptoms mimic malaria.
Malaria remains one of the highest disease burdens globally, with 2024 estimates indicating 282 million cases and approximately 610,000 deaths worldwide. Africa bears the brunt of these figures, accounting for about 95% of both infections and fatalities. In the African region, the Democratic Republic of the Congo contributed 11.7% of malaria deaths. Children under five continue to be the most affected demographic, emphasizing the disease’s significant impact on young children in countries with ongoing transmission.
Malaria Continues to Be a Major Public Health Challenge
Transmission mainly occurs through bites from infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Symptoms such as fever, chills, and headaches are common, but severe cases can lead to seizures, breathing difficulties, and extreme weakness. The most dangerous malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, predominates in Africa. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are vital in preventing severe complications and fatalities. The fight against malaria also depends on insecticide-treated mosquito nets, prophylactic medications, indoor residual spraying, and community interventions to lower mosquito exposure and interrupt transmission pathways.
In October 2024, the Democratic Republic of the Congo expanded its malaria prevention efforts with the introduction of the R21 vaccine. The initial rollout occurred in Kongo Central, where 693,500 doses were administered to children. This campaign targeted 173,375 children across 31 health zones. The World Health Organization supported the vaccine deployment alongside national health authorities and partners. Adding vaccination to existing measures such as bed nets, preventive treatment, testing, and artemisinin-based therapies strengthens the country’s malaria control strategies.
Integrated Prevention and Treatment Strategies Enhance Malaria Fight
The national malaria plan for 2024-2028 emphasizes a comprehensive approach to communities with persistent transmission. Key interventions include deploying more effective insecticide-treated nets, providing preventive treatment for pregnant women and infants, and testing a seasonal malaria chemoprevention pilot. The strategy also involves indoor residual spraying, larval habitat management, rapid diagnostic testing, and treatment with recommended antimalarial drugs. Surveillance efforts and community participation are integral components, with a target of safeguarding 80% of at-risk populations from malaria.
The 2025 figures from the country’s malaria program reflect the latest official data and differ from international modeled estimates. They demonstrate that malaria continues to impact tens of millions across the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The ongoing mass treatment campaign in Ituri now forms part of a broader approach that includes vaccination, prevention, diagnosis, and medical care. Despite progress, health authorities remain focused on deploying resources in highly affected areas to reduce infections, severe disease, and mortality linked to malaria.