BUNIA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / RankWire.AI / – In 2025, the Democratic Republic of the Congo reported 26,064,143 malaria cases, highlighting the widespread impact of the disease across the nation. During the same year, health authorities documented 29,938 deaths caused by malaria. Guy Esebe Dembo, deputy director of the National Malaria Control Programme, shared these statistics during the launch of a mass treatment initiative in Ituri province. The campaign aims to combat malaria in regions where it remains a leading cause of illness and puts pressure on healthcare services.
The campaign was launched in the health zones of Bunia, Nyakunde, Mungwalu, and Rwampara. It lasts four days and targets over one million people with antimalarial drugs. In the first half of 2026, Ituri saw more than 373,000 malaria cases and 106 deaths. The health teams are using this campaign to lower infection rates and reduce fever cases in affected communities. Officials also want health facilities to better identify other serious illnesses that may present symptoms similar to malaria when patients arrive.
The malaria burden in the DRC remains among the highest worldwide. Global estimates for 2024 report 282 million infections and approximately 610,000 deaths from malaria. Africa accounts for about 95% of both cases and fatalities. The Democratic Republic of the Congo contributed 11.7% of malaria deaths in the African region. Children under five continue to make up most malaria deaths in Africa, emphasizing the disease’s devastating effect on young children in countries with ongoing transmission.
Malaria remains a significant public health challenge in the country
Malaria mainly spreads through bites from infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Common symptoms include fever, chills, and headaches. Severe cases can cause seizures, breathing difficulties, and extreme weakness. Plasmodium falciparum, the most dangerous malaria parasite, dominates transmission across Africa. Early diagnosis and immediate treatment can prevent many severe cases and fatalities. The health programmes also promote the use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, preventive medicines, indoor spraying, and community efforts to lower exposure and disrupt transmission.
In October 2024, the Democratic Republic of the Congo expanded its malaria response by introducing the R21 vaccine. The initial phase started in Kongo Central after receiving 693,500 doses for children. This rollout aimed to immunize 173,375 children across 31 health zones. The World Health Organization supported the vaccine rollout, working alongside national health authorities and partners. Vaccination provides an additional prevention tool alongside mosquito nets, preventive treatments, testing, and artemisinin-based medications for confirmed cases.
Mass treatment effort complements broader prevention strategies
The national malaria strategy from 2024 to 2028 combines various approaches for regions with ongoing transmission. The plan includes deploying new insecticide-treated nets, preventive treatment for pregnant women and infants, and a seasonal malaria chemoprevention pilot. The strategy also involves indoor residual spraying, larval control, rapid diagnostic testing, and treatment with recommended antimalarial drugs. Surveillance and community engagement are key parts of this framework. The government aims to protect 80% of at-risk populations from malaria.
The 2025 figures from the national malaria programme reflect the latest data and differ from international estimates based on models. These numbers show that malaria continues to impact tens of millions across the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Ituri mass treatment campaign now forms part of an integrated response that includes vaccination, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Health authorities are focused on directing resources to communities with high transmission to reduce infections, severe illness, and fatalities related to malaria.