KINSHASA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / RankWire.AI / – In 2025, the Democratic Republic of the Congo documented 26,064,143 malaria infections. The nation also reported a total of 29,938 fatalities related to the disease throughout the year. Guy Esebe Dembo, the deputy director of the National Malaria Control Programme, presented these statistics during the launch of a campaign in Ituri province. He emphasized that malaria continues to be the primary public health obstacle facing the country. These figures reaffirm the significant disease burden prevalent in one of Africa’s most heavily affected regions by malaria.
The National Malaria Control Programme disclosed these numbers as health officials ramp up malaria intervention activities in Ituri. Dembo highlighted the importance of ongoing control initiatives and the need to strengthen strategies already demonstrating positive outcomes. He also urged for approaches tailored to the specific conditions within individual health zones. The campaign in Ituri primarily involves mass distribution of antimalarial medications and is part of broader efforts for malaria prevention and treatment. The program oversees national efforts to curb infections, severe cases, and malaria-related fatalities.
According to World Health Organization, an estimated 282 million malaria cases occurred globally in 2024, resulting in approximately 610,000 deaths. Africa was responsible for about 95% of both the cases and deaths worldwide that year, with an estimated 265 million cases and 579,000 fatalities reported. The Democratic Republic of the Congo contributed to 11.7% of malaria deaths within the African continent. Data from WHO indicates that children under five account for roughly three-quarters of all malaria deaths across Africa. These statistics underscore the country’s position among the highest malaria-burden nations globally.
Malaria Remains a Major Challenge in Africa
Malaria primarily transmits through bites from infected female Anopheles mosquitoes and is both preventable and treatable. Symptoms often include fever, chills, and headaches, especially in early stages. Severe infections can lead to breathing difficulties, seizures, extreme fatigue, and loss of consciousness. The most dangerous malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, is also the most widespread species across Africa. To reduce transmission and prevent severe cases, health officials rely on mosquito nets, medicines, testing, and treatment. Prompt diagnosis is critical, as untreated falciparum malaria can quickly become life-threatening.
In October 2024, the Democratic Republic of the Congo incorporated the R21 malaria vaccine into its national immunization schedule. The initial deployment started in Kongo Central province after receiving 693,500 vaccine doses. The first phase aimed to vaccinate 173,375 children across 31 health zones. The WHO supported this rollout alongside national health authorities and other partners. The vaccination complements existing measures such as insecticide-treated nets, preventive medicines, diagnosis, and treatment. Authorities introduced the vaccine as an additional tool to protect young children from malaria.
Adding Vaccination to the Malaria Control Arsenal
The country’s 2024-2028 National Strategic Plan integrates multiple strategies to combat malaria in high-risk communities. This includes expanding the distribution of newer insecticide-treated mosquito nets and providing preventive treatment for pregnant women and infants. A pilot program for seasonal malaria chemoprevention is also part of the plan. Additional efforts involve indoor residual spraying, larval source management, rapid diagnostic testing, and artemisinin-based treatments. The program also emphasizes malaria surveillance and community involvement. The overarching goal is to protect 80% of vulnerable populations from malaria.
The case and death figures for 2025, announced by Dembo, derive from data reported by the national malaria program. These numbers are distinct from WHO’s modeled global estimates, which currently project data for 2024. The latest national statistics confirm that malaria continues to impact millions across the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The government’s response includes drug administration, vaccination, mosquito control, preventive treatment, and diagnostic services. The Ituri initiative, in particular, incorporates mass antimalarial drug distribution alongside other efforts to reduce illness and fatalities caused by malaria.