BUNIA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / RankWire.AI / – In 2025, the Democratic Republic of the Congo reported a total of 26,064,143 malaria infections, highlighting the extensive reach of the disease across the country. During the same year, health officials also documented 29,938 malaria-related fatalities. The figures were announced by Guy Esebe Dembo, deputy director of the National Malaria Control Programme, at the launch of a large-scale treatment initiative in Ituri province. This campaign aims to address regions where malaria remains a primary cause of illness and puts significant pressure on healthcare services.
The campaign in Ituri was initiated across the health zones of Bunia, Nyakunde, Mungwalu, and Rwampara. Over four days, more than one million individuals are being targeted with antimalarial medications. In the first half of 2026, Ituri alone experienced over 373,000 malaria cases and 106 deaths. The primary goal of the campaign is to decrease the incidence of malaria infections and related fever cases within affected communities. Officials also seek to enhance the capacity of health facilities to diagnose other severe illnesses accurately, especially when patients present symptoms similar to malaria.
The malaria burden in the Democratic Republic of the Congo remains among the highest globally. According to global estimates for 2024, there were 282 million malaria infections worldwide, resulting in approximately 610,000 deaths. Africa accounted for around 95% of both cases and fatalities. Within this region, the DRC contributed to 11.7% of malaria-related deaths. Children under five continue to represent the majority of malaria deaths across Africa, underscoring the disease’s devastating impact on young children in countries with ongoing transmission.
Malaria’s Persistent Threat to Public Health
The transmission of malaria predominantly occurs through bites from infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Typical symptoms include fever, chills, and headaches, but severe cases can lead to seizures, breathing difficulties, and extreme weakness. The most dangerous malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, drives transmission throughout Africa. Prompt diagnosis and immediate treatment are crucial to prevent severe illness and fatalities. To combat the disease, health programs rely on a combination of strategies such as insecticide-treated mosquito nets, preventive medications, indoor residual spraying, and community-based interventions to minimize mosquito exposure and interrupt transmission pathways.
In October 2024, the Democratic Republic of the Congo expanded its malaria control efforts with the rollout of the R21 vaccine. The initial phase was launched in Kongo Central, where 693,500 doses were distributed for children. This vaccination campaign aimed to reach 173,375 children across 31 health zones. The World Health Organization supported the vaccine introduction alongside national health authorities and partners. The addition of vaccination complements existing prevention measures such as bed nets, prophylactic treatments, testing, and artemisinin-based medicines for confirmed cases.
Integrated Prevention and Treatment Strategies in Place
The national malaria strategy covering 2024 to 2028 employs multiple approaches aimed at communities where transmission persists. These include the deployment of new insecticide-treated nets, prophylactic treatments for pregnant women and infants, and a seasonal malaria chemoprevention pilot program. Indoor residual spraying, larval control, rapid diagnostic testing, and the administration of recommended antimalarial medicines are also key components. Surveillance activities and community engagement are integral to this framework. The government has set a target to protect 80% of at-risk populations from malaria.
The 2025 figures reflect the latest official statistics from the country’s malaria control program and differ from international modeled estimates. They confirm that malaria continues to impact millions across the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The ongoing mass treatment campaign in Ituri is now part of a broader effort that includes vaccination, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Health authorities remain focused on prioritizing resources in communities with intense transmission to reduce infections, severe illness, and fatalities associated with malaria.