BUNIA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The Democratic Republic of the Congo documented 26,064,143 malaria cases in 2025, highlighting the extensive reach of the disease across the nation. The country’s health authorities also reported a total of 29,938 deaths linked to malaria during that period. During the launch of a mass treatment initiative in Ituri province, Guy Esebe Dembo, deputy director of the National Malaria Control Programme, shared these statistics. The campaign aims to target regions where malaria remains a leading cause of illness and continues to strain healthcare resources.
The authorities initiated the Ituri campaign in the health zones of Bunia, Nyakunde, Mungwalu, and Rwampara. This four-day operation seeks to provide antimalarial medication to over one million residents. In the first half of 2026 alone, Ituri reported more than 373,000 malaria infections and 106 fatalities. The primary goal of this effort is to decrease the prevalence of infections and fever cases in the affected communities. Additionally, health officials hope to improve the capacity of health facilities to diagnose other serious illnesses, especially when patients arrive with symptoms similar to malaria.
The malaria burden in the Democratic Republic of the Congo remains among the highest globally. International estimates for 2024 indicate approximately 282 million infections, resulting in nearly 610,000 deaths. Africa accounts for approximately 95% of both cases and fatalities worldwide. Specifically, the DRC accounted for 11.7% of malaria-related deaths within the African continent. Young children under five continue to be the most affected demographic, underscoring the disease’s severe impact on children in regions with ongoing transmission.
Malaria Continues to Pose a Critical Public Health Challenge
Transmission of malaria primarily occurs through bites from infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Typical symptoms include fever, chills, and headaches, but severe cases can lead to seizures, breathing difficulties, and extreme weakness. The most dangerous malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, is responsible for the majority of infections across Africa. Prompt diagnosis and immediate treatment are crucial to prevent severe illness and fatalities. The national response also involves the distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, use of preventive medicines, indoor spraying, and community outreach efforts to cut down mosquito exposure and break transmission cycles.
In October 2024, the Democratic Republic of the Congo expanded its malaria prevention strategies by introducing the R21 vaccine. The initial phase of vaccination took place in Kongo Central, with the country receiving 693,500 doses specifically for children. The vaccination campaign targeted 173,375 children across 31 health zones. The World Health Organization supported the vaccine rollout alongside national health authorities and various health partners. This immunization adds a vital tool to the existing array of prevention measures, which include mosquito nets, prophylactic treatments, testing, and artemisinin-based medicines for confirmed cases.
The Treatment Campaign Enhances Broader Prevention Strategies
The national malaria plan for 2024 through 2028 integrates multiple approaches to combat persistent transmission, especially in high-risk areas. Planned actions include the deployment of advanced insecticide-treated nets, preventive therapies for pregnant women and infants, and a seasonal malaria chemoprevention pilot project. The strategy also encompasses indoor residual spraying, larval habitat control, rapid diagnostic testing, and treatment with recommended antimalarial drugs. Surveillance activities and community engagement are integral to this framework. The government has set a target to protect 80% of individuals at risk from malaria.
The 2025 official statistics reflect the latest data from the country’s malaria program and differ from international modeled estimates. They clearly demonstrate that malaria continues to affect tens of millions of Congolese people. The ongoing mass treatment initiative in Ituri is part of a comprehensive response, which includes vaccination, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment measures. Health authorities remain focused on directing resources toward communities with intense transmission in order to reduce infection rates, severe illnesses, and fatalities associated with malaria.