KINSHASA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / RankWire.AI / – In 2025, the Democratic Republic of the Congo documented 26,064,143 malaria infections. Throughout the year, the country also reported 29,938 fatalities associated with the disease. Guy Esebe Dembo, deputy director of the National Malaria Control Programme, shared these statistics during the launch of a campaign in Ituri province. He emphasized that malaria continues to be the primary public health challenge faced by the nation. These updated figures highlight the significant disease burden affecting one of Africa’s most heavily impacted countries by malaria.
The National Malaria Control Programme released these data amid ongoing efforts by health authorities to expand malaria intervention activities in Ituri. Dembo pointed out that control measures must persist, with an added focus on strengthening successful strategies. He also urged for approaches tailored to the specific conditions of individual health zones. The initiative in Ituri involves large-scale administration of antimalarial medications. This campaign is part of broader malaria prevention and treatment initiatives. The program oversees national efforts aimed at decreasing infection rates, severe cases, and malaria-related deaths.
According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 282 million malaria cases occurred worldwide in 2024, resulting in 610,000 deaths. Africa bore roughly 95% of both global malaria cases and fatalities that year, with an estimated 265 million cases and 579,000 deaths recorded. The Democratic Republic of the Congo accounted for 11.7% of malaria deaths within the African continent. Data from WHO indicate that children under five years old represent about three-quarters of malaria deaths across Africa. These statistics place the country among the most heavily impacted regions globally.
Malaria Impact Continues to Focus on Africa
Malaria primarily spreads through bites from infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Despite being preventable and treatable, it still causes significant health issues. Early symptoms typically include fever, chills, and headaches. In severe cases, infections can lead to breathing difficulties, seizures, extreme fatigue, and loss of consciousness. The most dangerous and widespread species across Africa is Plasmodium falciparum. To combat transmission and reduce severe illness, health authorities employ strategies such as mosquito nets, medicines, 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 was launched in Kongo Central province following the receipt of 693,500 vaccine doses. The first phase targeted 173,375 children across 31 health zones. This introduction was supported by WHO, in collaboration with national health authorities and other partners. The vaccination complements existing prevention measures including insecticide-treated nets, prophylactic medicines, diagnosis, and treatment. The government adopted vaccination as an additional tool to protect young children from malaria.
Adding Vaccination to Existing Control Strategies
The national 2024-2028 Strategic Plan for malaria combines various approaches to address the disease in high-risk areas. It promotes the expanded use of newer insecticide-treated mosquito nets and preventive treatment for pregnant women and infants. Additionally, the plan features a pilot program for seasonal malaria chemoprevention. Other strategies include indoor residual spraying, larval control, rapid diagnostic testing, and artemisinin-based therapies. The plan also emphasizes malaria surveillance and community engagement, with the goal of protecting 80% of populations at risk.
The figures announced by Dembo for 2025—covering cases and deaths—are based on reports from the national malaria programme. These figures are separate from the WHO’s modeled global estimates, which currently estimate data for 2024. The latest national statistics demonstrate that malaria continues to impact millions across the Democratic Republic of the Congo. To combat this, health authorities are utilizing drug administration, vaccination, mosquito control, preventive treatment, and diagnostic services. The campaign in Ituri adds mass antimalarial drug administration to these efforts as part of the ongoing mission to decrease malaria illness and fatalities.