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 year also saw 29,938 fatalities linked to the disease. Guy Esebe Dembo, deputy director of the National Malaria Control Programme, disclosed these figures during a campaign launch in Ituri province. He emphasized that malaria remains the primary public health challenge facing the country. These new statistics underscore the significant disease burden in one of Africa’s most heavily affected nations by malaria.
The National Malaria Control Programme released this data amid expanded malaria response activities in Ituri. Dembo stressed that ongoing control efforts must persist while authorities enhance interventions that have already demonstrated effectiveness. He additionally urged the adoption of strategies tailored to the specific conditions of individual health zones. The initiative in Ituri focuses on mass distribution of antimalarial medications. This campaign is part of a broader effort in malaria prevention and treatment, aiming to lower infection rates, severe cases, and deaths related to malaria. The programme oversees national actions designed to combat the disease’s impact.
According to World Health Organization, an estimated 282 million malaria cases occurred worldwide in 2024, resulting in approximately 610,000 deaths. Africa accounted for roughly 95% of both cases and fatalities that year, with an estimated 265 million cases and 579,000 deaths recorded in the region. The Democratic Republic of the Congo contributed to 11.7% of malaria deaths within Africa. Data from WHO indicates that children under five represent about three-quarters of all malaria-related deaths across the continent. These figures place DRC among the countries with the highest malaria burdens globally.
Malaria’s Impact Continues to Concentrate in Africa
Malaria is predominantly transmitted through bites from infected female Anopheles mosquitoes and remains both preventable and treatable. Common early symptoms include fever, chills, and headaches. In severe cases, infections can lead to breathing difficulties, seizures, extreme fatigue, and loss of consciousness. The most lethal species, Plasmodium falciparum, is also the most widespread across Africa. To combat transmission and prevent serious illness, health authorities rely on mosquito nets, medications, testing, and treatment. Prompt diagnosis is critical because 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 rollout commenced in Kongo Central province following the receipt of 693,500 vaccine doses. This phase targeted 173,375 children across 31 health zones. The introduction was supported by the WHO, alongside national health authorities and various health partners. The vaccine complements existing measures such as insecticide-treated nets, preventive medications, diagnosis, and treatment. The government sees vaccination as an additional tool to protect young children from malaria.
Adding Vaccination to the National Malaria Control Strategy
The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s 2024-2028 National Strategic Plan integrates multiple strategies aimed at high-risk communities. These include expanding access to new 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 measures involve indoor residual spraying, larval habitat control, rapid diagnostic testing, and artemisinin-based treatments. The plan also emphasizes malaria surveillance and community engagement, with the goal of protecting 80% of populations at risk.
The totals of 26 million cases and nearly 30,000 deaths announced by Dembo for 2025 are based on reports from the national malaria programme. These figures are distinct from WHO’s modeled global estimates, which currently focus on data for 2024. The latest national data demonstrates that malaria continues to impact millions across the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The country’s response incorporates drug administration, vaccination, mosquito control, preventive treatment, and diagnostic services. The campaign in Ituri adds mass antimalarial drug distribution to these strategies as efforts to reduce illness and fatalities persist.