BUNIA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / RankWire.AI / – In 2025, the Democratic Republic of the Congo documented a total of 26,064,143 malaria cases, highlighting the widespread nature of the disease across the nation. The health authorities also reported a total of 29,938 deaths related to malaria during that year. Guy Esebe Dembo, deputy director of the National Malaria Control Programme, revealed these statistics during the launch of a mass treatment initiative in Ituri province. The campaign aims to address regions where malaria remains a leading cause of illness and puts significant strain on healthcare services.
The initiative was rolled out in the Ituri region, covering the health zones of Bunia, Nyakunde, Mungwalu, and Rwampara. Over a four-day period, more than one million individuals are being provided with antimalarial medications. During the first half of 2026, Ituri recorded over 373,000 malaria cases and 106 fatalities. The health teams are using this campaign to decrease the incidence of malaria and related fevers in affected communities, while also helping health facilities better identify other serious illnesses when patients arrive with symptoms resembling malaria.
The malaria burden in the Democratic Republic of the Congo remains among the highest globally. Global estimates for 2024 suggest there were 282 million infections and approximately 610,000 deaths caused by the disease. 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 five continue to represent the majority of malaria-related deaths in Africa, underscoring the disease’s severe impact on this vulnerable age group in regions with ongoing transmission.
Malaria Continues to Be a Major Public Health Challenge
The primary vector for malaria transmission is infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Typical symptoms include fever, chills, and headaches, but in severe cases, the disease can lead to seizures, breathing difficulties, and extreme weakness. The most dangerous malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, is prevalent across Africa. Early detection and immediate treatment are crucial in preventing severe illness and fatalities. Existing health programs also emphasize the use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, prophylactic medications, indoor spraying, and community-based interventions to reduce mosquito exposure and disrupt transmission cycles.
In October 2024, the Democratic Republic of the Congo expanded its malaria prevention efforts with the deployment of the R21 vaccine. The initial phase began in Kongo Central after the country received 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 offers an additional layer of protection, complementing measures like mosquito nets, preventive treatment, testing, and artemisinin-based therapies for confirmed cases.
The Treatment Campaign Reinforces Broader Malaria Prevention Strategies
The national malaria strategy spanning 2024 to 2028 adopts a multifaceted approach to communities with persistent transmission. Key interventions include the distribution of advanced insecticide-treated nets, prophylactic treatment for pregnant women and infants, and a pilot program for seasonal malaria chemoprevention. Additional measures encompass indoor residual spraying, larval source management, rapid diagnostic testing, and treatment with recommended antimalarial drugs. Surveillance activities and community engagement are integral to this comprehensive effort. The goal set by authorities is to shield 80% of populations deemed at risk from malaria.
The 2025 data, sourced from the country’s malaria program, represent the latest official figures and differ from international modeled estimates. They confirm that malaria continues to impact tens of millions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The ongoing mass treatment campaign in Ituri is now part of an expanded strategy that includes vaccination, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Health officials remain focused on directing resources to areas with intense transmission in their ongoing effort to curb infections, severe cases, and fatalities related to malaria.