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 spread of the disease nationwide. Health officials also documented 29,938 fatalities linked to malaria during that year. Guy Esebe Dembo, deputy director of the National Malaria Control Programme, revealed these figures during the launch of a mass treatment campaign in Ituri province. The initiative targets areas where malaria continues to be a leading cause of illness and puts significant pressure on health services.
The campaign was launched across the health zones of Bunia, Nyakunde, Mungwalu, and Rwampara in Ituri. Over four days, the operation aims to reach more than one million individuals with antimalarial medications. During the first half of 2026, Ituri recorded over 373,000 malaria cases and 106 deaths. Health teams are utilizing this campaign to decrease the number of infections and fever cases in affected communities. Officials also hope to improve the capacity of health facilities to identify other serious illnesses more quickly when patients present symptoms that might mimic malaria.
Malaria remains among the highest burdens in the world. Global estimates for 2024 indicate 282 million infections, resulting in approximately 610,000 deaths. Africa accounts for roughly 95% of both cases and fatalities. The Democratic Republic of the Congo contributed to 11.7% of malaria deaths in the African region. Children under five years old continue to represent the majority of malaria fatalities across Africa, emphasizing the disease’s devastating impact on young children in regions with ongoing transmission.
Malaria Continues to Pose a Significant Challenge to National Health
Malaria is primarily transmitted through bites from infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Typical symptoms include fever, chills, and headaches. Severe cases can lead to seizures, breathing difficulties, and extreme weakness. The most dangerous malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, dominates transmission across Africa. Early detection and immediate treatment can prevent many severe cases and fatalities. National health efforts also include the distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, preventive medicines, indoor spraying, and community-based strategies to reduce exposure to infected mosquitoes and interrupt transmission.
In October 2024, the Democratic Republic of the Congo expanded its malaria prevention efforts by introducing the R21 vaccine. The initial phase was launched in Kongo Central after receiving 693,500 doses for children. This rollout targeted 173,375 children across 31 health zones. The World Health Organization supported the vaccine introduction alongside national health authorities and partners. Vaccination now serves as an additional tool alongside existing measures such as mosquito nets, preventive treatment, testing, and artemisinin-based medicines for confirmed malaria cases.
The Treatment Campaign Enhances Broader Malaria Prevention Strategies
The national malaria strategy for 2024 through 2028 integrates multiple approaches to address persistent transmission in affected communities. Plans include deploying newer insecticide-treated nets, providing preventive treatment for pregnant women and infants, and testing a seasonal malaria chemoprevention pilot. The strategy also encompasses indoor residual spraying, larval control, rapid diagnostic testing, and treatment with recommended antimalarial medicines. Surveillance and community engagement are fundamental components of this comprehensive framework. Authorities aim to protect 80% of at-risk populations from malaria.
The 2025 figures are the latest official counts from the country’s malaria program, differing from international modeled estimates. They clearly show that malaria continues to impact tens of millions across the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The mass treatment campaign in Ituri now plays a key role within an expanded response that includes vaccination, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. The government remains focused on directing resources to high-transmission communities to curb infections, severe illnesses, and deaths associated with malaria.