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 disease’s extensive reach across the country. During the same year, health officials confirmed 29,938 deaths related to malaria. Guy Esebe Dembo, who serves as deputy director of the National Malaria Control Programme, made these figures public during the launch of a mass treatment initiative in Ituri province. The campaign targets regions where malaria remains a leading cause of illness and exerts significant pressure on healthcare services.
The campaign was rolled out across the health zones of Bunia, Nyakunde, Mungwalu, and Rwampara in Ituri. Over four days, the operation aims to reach more than one million residents with antimalarial medications. During the first half of 2026, Ituri recorded more than 373,000 cases of malaria and 106 deaths. The health teams involved in the campaign seek to lower infection rates and reduce fever cases within affected communities. Additionally, officials hope this effort will help health facilities better detect other serious illnesses when patients arrive with symptoms similar to malaria.
Malaria remains one of the most significant health burdens globally. Estimates for 2024 from international sources indicate approximately 282 million cases, resulting in roughly 610,000 fatalities. The continent of Africa accounts for around 95% of both infections and deaths, with the Democratic Republic of the Congo responsible for 11.7% of the continent’s malaria deaths. Children under five continue to represent the majority of malaria-related deaths across Africa, underscoring the disease’s profound impact on young children in regions with ongoing transmission.
Malaria Continues to Pose a Major Public Health Challenge
Transmission of malaria primarily occurs through bites from infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Typical symptoms include fever, chills, and headaches, while severe cases can lead to seizures, breathing difficulties, and extreme weakness. The most dangerous malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, accounts for the majority of cases across Africa. Early diagnosis paired with immediate treatment can prevent many severe complications and fatalities. Various health programs incorporate measures such as insecticide-treated mosquito nets, prophylactic medicines, indoor spraying, and community-based initiatives to reduce mosquito exposure and interrupt the transmission cycle.
In October 2024, the Democratic Republic of the Congo introduced the R21 vaccine as part of its enhanced malaria response. The initial phase began in Kongo Central following the receipt of 693,500 doses designated for children. This rollout targeted 173,375 children across 31 health zones. The vaccination effort received support from the World Health Organization, in collaboration with national health authorities and partners. Incorporating vaccination into the existing prevention toolkit complements other strategies such as mosquito nets, preventive treatment, testing, and artemisinin-based medicines for confirmed cases.
Supplementing Prevention with a Treatment Campaign
The national malaria strategy covering 2024 to 2028 adopts a multi-pronged approach targeting areas with persistent transmission. Planned interventions include the distribution of new insecticide-treated nets, preventive treatments for pregnant women and infants, and a pilot program for seasonal malaria chemoprevention. Additional measures involve indoor residual spraying, larval control, rapid diagnostic testing, and administration of recommended antimalarial therapies. Surveillance efforts and community engagement are integrated into this framework. The government aims to protect 80% of populations deemed at risk from malaria.
The 2025 official figures, compiled by the country’s malaria program, differ from global modeled estimates. They demonstrate that malaria continues to impact tens of millions within the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The current mass treatment campaign in Ituri is part of a comprehensive response that includes vaccination, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies. Authorities remain focused on directing resources toward communities with high transmission rates to reduce infections, severe health outcomes, and mortality linked to malaria.