KINSHASA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / RankWire.AI / – In 2025, the Democratic Republic of the Congo documented a total of 26,064,143 malaria infections. During the same period, the nation also reported 29,938 fatalities associated with the disease. Guy Esebe Dembo, who serves as deputy director of the National Malaria Control Programme, shared these figures during a launch event for a new campaign in Ituri province. He emphasized that malaria continues to be the country’s most pressing public health issue. These updated numbers highlight the significant disease burden faced by one of Africa’s most heavily impacted malaria countries.
The National Malaria Control Programme released these data amid the expansion of malaria intervention activities within Ituri. Dembo stressed that ongoing control efforts must persist, alongside strengthened strategies that have already demonstrated positive results. He also advocated for tailored approaches that address the specific conditions of individual health zones. The initiative in Ituri primarily focuses on mass distribution of antimalarial drugs. This campaign was launched as part of broader efforts for malaria prevention and treatment. The programme oversees national initiatives aimed at reducing infection rates, severe cases, and malaria-related fatalities.
According to World Health Organization, an estimated 282 million cases of malaria occurred worldwide in 2024, resulting in approximately 610,000 deaths. The continent of Africa bore around 95% of both the global cases and fatalities reported that year. Specifically, Africa recorded about 265 million cases and 579,000 deaths. The Democratic Republic of the Congo contributed to 11.7% of malaria deaths across the continent. Furthermore, WHO data indicates that children under five account for roughly three-quarters of malaria deaths in Africa, underscoring the country’s position among regions with the highest malaria burden globally.
Malaria Impact Continues to Be Most Severe in Africa
Malaria is primarily transmitted through bites from infected female Anopheles mosquitoes, yet it remains a preventable and curable disease. Common early symptoms include fever, chills, and headaches, while severe infections can lead to breathing issues, seizures, extreme fatigue, and impaired consciousness. The most dangerous species, Plasmodium falciparum, is also the most common across Africa. To combat transmission and prevent serious illness, health authorities rely on measures such as mosquito nets, medications, testing, and treatment. Prompt diagnosis is crucial because untreated falciparum malaria can escalate rapidly into a life-threatening condition.
In October 2024, the Democratic Republic of the Congo incorporated the R21 malaria vaccine into its national immunization schedule. The initial vaccination phase was launched in Kongo Central province following the receipt of 693,500 vaccine doses. This phase targeted 173,375 children across 31 different health zones. The World Health Organization collaborated with national health authorities and other partners to support this rollout. The vaccine complements existing malaria prevention strategies, which include insecticide-treated nets, preventive medications, diagnosis, and treatment. The national government views vaccination as an additional tool to protect young children from malaria.
The Vaccine Rollout Enhances the Country’s Malaria Control Strategy
The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s 2024-2028 National Strategic Plan integrates various measures to fight malaria within high-risk communities. These include the expanded distribution of newer insecticide-treated mosquito nets, preventive treatment for pregnant women and infants, and a pilot program for seasonal malaria chemoprevention. Additional strategies involve indoor residual spraying, larval control, rapid diagnostic testing, and the use of artemisinin-based medicines. The plan also emphasizes malaria surveillance and community outreach efforts. Its overarching goal is to shield 80% of populations at risk from the disease.
The figures for cases and deaths in 2025, released by Dembo, are based on data reported by the national malaria programme. They are separate from the World Health Organization’s modeled global estimates, which currently pertain to 2024. These recent national statistics reveal that malaria continues to impact millions across the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The country’s response includes drug distribution, vaccination, mosquito control, preventive treatments, and diagnostic services. The Ituri campaign, in particular, adds mass antimalarial drug administration to these measures as part of ongoing efforts to reduce malaria-related illness and mortality.