KINSHASA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / RankWire.AI / – In 2025, the Democratic Republic of the Congo reported a total of 26,064,143 malaria infections. The nation also documented 29,938 fatalities associated with the disease during that year. Guy Esebe Dembo, deputy director of the National Malaria Control Programme, shared these statistics during the launch of a campaign in Ituri province. Dembo emphasized that malaria continues to be the primary public health issue in the country. These new figures underscore the significant disease burden faced by one of Africa’s most malaria-affected nations.
The data was issued by the National Malaria Control Programme as health officials intensified malaria intervention efforts in Ituri. Control strategies must persist, according to Dembo, while existing interventions are further strengthened. He highlighted the need for approaches tailored to the specific conditions of individual health zones. The current initiative in Ituri focuses on widespread distribution of antimalarial medications. This campaign was launched as part of broader efforts to prevent and treat malaria. The programme oversees national actions aimed at decreasing infection rates, severe cases, and mortality caused by malaria.
World Health Organization estimates indicate that there were 282 million malaria cases globally in 2024, resulting in 610,000 deaths. Africa accounted for approximately 95% of both the world’s malaria cases and fatalities that year. The continent recorded an estimated 265 million cases and 579,000 deaths. Within this region, the Democratic Republic of the Congo contributed to 11.7% of malaria deaths in Africa. According to WHO data, children under five years old represented roughly three quarters of malaria-related deaths across the continent. These statistics place the DRC among the countries with the highest malaria burden worldwide.
Continued Malaria Challenges in Africa
Malaria primarily spreads through bites from infected female Anopheles mosquitoes and remains both preventable and treatable. Early symptoms typically include fever, chills, and headaches. Severe infections can lead to breathing difficulties, seizures, extreme fatigue, and loss of consciousness. The most dangerous and prevalent species in Africa is Plasmodium falciparum. To combat transmission and prevent severe illness, health authorities rely on mosquito nets, antimalarial medicines, testing, and treatment. Timely diagnosis is critical because untreated falciparum malaria can rapidly become life-threatening.
In October 2024, the Democratic Republic of the Congo incorporated the R21 malaria vaccine into its national immunization schedule. The initial phase began in Kongo Central province after the country received 693,500 vaccine doses. During this phase, 173,375 children across 31 health zones were targeted. The World Health Organization supported the vaccine’s introduction alongside national health agencies and other partners. The vaccination adds to existing measures such as insecticide-treated nets, preventive medicines, and prompt diagnosis and treatment. Authorities view vaccination as a valuable additional tool to safeguard young children from malaria.
Vaccination as Part of Broader Malaria Control Strategy
The country’s 2024-2028 National Strategic Plan integrates multiple approaches to combat malaria in areas with high transmission. Efforts include expanded distribution of newer insecticide-treated mosquito nets and prophylactic treatment for pregnant women and infants. Additionally, a pilot program for seasonal malaria chemoprevention is part of the strategy. Other measures encompass indoor residual spraying, larval source management, rapid diagnostic testing, and artemisinin-based treatments. The plan also emphasizes malaria surveillance and community engagement to enhance overall effectiveness. The ultimate goal is to protect 80% of populations at risk of malaria.
The totals for cases and deaths in 2025 announced by Dembo are based on reports from the national malaria programme. These figures are separate from the WHO’s modeled global estimates, which currently pertain to 2024. The latest national data confirms that malaria continues to impact millions of people throughout the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Response measures include drug administration, vaccination, mosquito control, prophylactic treatment, and diagnostic services. The Ituri campaign adds mass antimalarial drug administration to these efforts as the country advances its goal of reducing malaria-related illness and mortality.