BUNIA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / RankWire.AI / – In 2025, the Democratic Republic of the Congo documented a total of 26,064,143 malaria infections, highlighting the extensive reach of the disease nationwide. Officials also reported that the year saw 29,938 deaths related to malaria. During the launch of a large-scale treatment initiative in Ituri province, Guy Esebe Dembo, deputy director of the National Malaria Control Programme, shared these statistics. The campaign targets regions where malaria continues to be a leading cause of illness and strain on healthcare services.
The Ituri campaign has been rolled out across the health zones of Bunia, Nyakunde, Mungwalu, and Rwampara. This four-day operation aims to reach over one million individuals with antimalarial medication. Data from the first half of 2026 indicate that Ituri experienced more than 373,000 malaria cases and 106 deaths. The objective of the campaign is to lower infection rates and fever cases in affected communities. Additionally, health authorities hope to improve the capacity of medical facilities to quickly identify other serious health issues when patients present symptoms that may resemble malaria.
The malaria burden within the Democratic Republic of the Congo remains among the highest globally. For 2024, worldwide estimates suggest there were 282 million malaria cases, resulting in approximately 610,000 fatalities. Africa accounted for about 95% of both cases and deaths. The DRC alone contributed to 11.7% of malaria fatalities within the African continent. Children under five continue to represent the majority of malaria deaths across Africa, underscoring the disease’s devastating impact on young children in regions where transmission persists.
Malaria Continues to Pose a Major Public Health Challenge
Malaria spreads primarily through bites from infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Symptoms often include fever, chills, and headaches, while severe cases may lead to seizures, breathing difficulties, and extreme fatigue. The parasite Plasmodium falciparum, recognized as the most lethal form, dominates transmission in Africa. Prompt diagnosis and immediate treatment are crucial in preventing severe illness and mortality. The national response relies heavily on measures such as insecticide-treated mosquito nets, prophylactic medications, indoor residual spraying, and community-driven initiatives to minimize mosquito bites and interrupt transmission chains.
In October 2024, the Democratic Republic of the Congo expanded its malaria prevention efforts with the deployment of the R21 vaccine. The initial phase was launched in Kongo Central, where 693,500 doses were distributed for children. This rollout targeted 173,375 children across 31 health zones. The World Health Organization backed the introduction of the vaccine alongside the country’s health authorities and partners. Vaccination now complements existing strategies such as mosquito nets, preventive treatments, testing, and artemisinin-based medicines for confirmed cases.
The Treatment Campaign Supports Broader Prevention Strategies
The national malaria plan for 2024 to 2028 integrates various approaches to address communities with ongoing transmission. These include the distribution of newer insecticide-treated nets, preventive treatment for pregnant women and infants, and a seasonal malaria chemoprevention pilot program. The strategy also encompasses indoor residual spraying, larval control, rapid diagnostic testing, and treatment with recommended antimalarial medications. Surveillance and community participation are integral components of this comprehensive framework. The authorities aim to shield 80% of at-risk populations from malaria.
The 2025 official figures reflect the latest data from the country’s malaria program and differ from international modeled estimates. These numbers demonstrate that malaria continues to impact millions of Congolese citizens. The ongoing mass treatment campaign in Ituri is part of an overarching effort that includes vaccination, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Health officials remain focused on channeling resources into heavily affected areas to reduce infections, severe cases, and fatalities associated with malaria.