BUNIA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / RankWire.AI / – Malaria remains a critical health challenge in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with the disease ranking among the highest globally. The country reported a total of 26,064,143 malaria cases in 2025, illustrating the extensive impact nationwide. Officials also documented 29,938 malaria-related fatalities during that year. Guy Esebe Dembo, deputy director of the National Malaria Control Programme, disclosed these figures during a launch event for a mass treatment initiative in Ituri province. The campaign aims to target regions where malaria continues to be a leading cause of illness and exerts significant strain on healthcare facilities.
This effort was launched across Ituri’s health zones, including Bunia, Nyakunde, Mungwalu, and Rwampara. The four-day operation is designed to reach over one million individuals with antimalarial medications. During the first half of 2026, Ituri recorded more than 373,000 malaria cases and 106 deaths. The initiative seeks to lower infection rates and fever cases within affected communities while also helping health facilities better detect other serious illnesses that may present symptoms similar to malaria.
Malaria’s burden in the Democratic Republic of the Congo remains among the highest worldwide. Global estimates for 2024 indicate there were 282 million infections, resulting in approximately 610,000 deaths. Africa accounted for roughly 95% of both cases and fatalities, with the DRC responsible for 11.7% of malaria deaths across the continent. Young children under the age of five continue to be the most affected demographic, underscoring the disease’s significant toll on children in regions with ongoing transmission.
Malaria continues to pose a significant public health challenge nationally
Transmission primarily occurs through bites from infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Typical symptoms include fever, chills, and headaches, with severe cases potentially leading to seizures, breathing difficulties, and profound weakness. Plasmodium falciparum, the most lethal malaria parasite, dominates transmission across Africa. Early diagnosis coupled with immediate treatment plays a crucial role in preventing severe cases and mortality. Combating malaria involves multiple strategies such as insecticide-treated mosquito nets, preventive medications, indoor spraying, and community-focused interventions aimed at reducing exposure and halting transmission.
In October 2024, the Democratic Republic of the Congo expanded its malaria prevention efforts by introducing the R21 vaccine. The initial phase launched in Kongo Central following the receipt of 693,500 doses intended for children. This campaign targeted 173,375 children spread across 31 health zones. The vaccine introduction was supported by the World Health Organization, working alongside national health authorities and partners. Vaccination serves as an additional preventative measure alongside existing tools, including mosquito nets, prophylactic treatment, testing, and artemisinin-based medicines for confirmed malaria cases.
Enhancing prevention with treatment campaigns
The national malaria strategy for 2024 through 2028 integrates various approaches aimed at communities with persistent transmission issues. Planned interventions include distributing newer insecticide-treated nets, providing preventive treatment for pregnant women and infants, and piloting seasonal malaria chemoprevention. The program also encompasses indoor residual spraying, larval control, rapid diagnostic testing, and treatment with recommended antimalarial drugs. Surveillance and active community participation are integral components of this comprehensive framework. The government aims to safeguard 80% of individuals considered at risk from malaria.
The 2025 data reflects the latest official figures from the country’s malaria program and differ from international modeled estimates. These statistics affirm that malaria continues to impact tens of millions across the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The ongoing mass treatment campaign in Ituri now functions as part of a broader strategy that includes vaccination, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment efforts. Health officials remain focused on directing resources to heavily affected communities to limit infections, severe illness, and fatalities associated with malaria.