KINSHASA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The Democratic Republic of the Congo documented 26,064,143 malaria cases in 2025. During the same year, the country also recorded 29,938 fatalities linked to the disease. Guy Esebe Dembo, deputy director of the National Malaria Control Programme, presented these figures at a campaign launch in Ituri province. Dembo emphasized that malaria remains the country’s leading public health obstacle. These latest totals reaffirm the substantial disease burden in one of Africa’s most heavily affected nations by malaria.
The National Malaria Control Programme released the data amid expanded malaria response efforts in Ituri. Dembo stressed the importance of continuing control measures while enhancing strategies that have already proven effective. He also advocated for tailored approaches suited to specific conditions within different health zones. The initiative in Ituri focuses on mass distribution of antimalarial medications. The campaign was launched as part of broader malaria prevention and treatment initiatives. The programme oversees national actions aimed at lowering infection rates, reducing severe illnesses, and decreasing malaria-related deaths.
The World Health Organization estimated that there were 282 million malaria cases worldwide in 2024, resulting in 610,000 deaths. Africa accounted for about 95% of both global cases and fatalities that year. The continent experienced an estimated 265 million cases and 579,000 deaths. In the African region, the Democratic Republic of the Congo contributed to 11.7% of malaria deaths. According to WHO data, children under five represented approximately three-quarters of all malaria deaths in Africa. These statistics place the DRC among the countries with the highest malaria burden globally.
Malaria’s Impact Continues to Concentrate in Africa
Malaria is primarily transmitted through bites from infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Despite its prevalence, the disease is both preventable and treatable. Symptoms such as fever, chills, and headaches are common early signs. Severe cases can lead to breathing issues, seizures, extreme fatigue, and loss of consciousness. The deadliest malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, is also the most widespread across Africa. To combat transmission and prevent severe disease, health authorities utilize mosquito nets, medications, testing, and treatment. Prompt diagnosis remains crucial because untreated falciparum malaria can become life-threatening within a short timeframe.
In October 2024, the Democratic Republic of the Congo incorporated the R21 malaria vaccine into its national immunization schedule. The initial rollout started in Kongo Central province after receiving 693,500 vaccine doses. This phase targeted 173,375 children across 31 health zones. The World Health Organization supported the vaccine introduction alongside national health authorities and other partners. The vaccine supplements existing measures such as insecticide-treated nets, preventive medicines, diagnosis, and treatment. The government introduced vaccination as an additional tool to safeguard young children from malaria.
Introduction of Vaccine Enhances National Malaria Control Strategies
The country’s 2024-2028 National Strategic Plan for malaria combines various measures targeting high-risk communities. This includes the expanded distribution of newer insecticide-treated mosquito nets and preventive treatment for pregnant women and infants. A pilot program for seasonal malaria chemoprevention is also part of the strategy. Other interventions involve indoor residual spraying, larval control, rapid diagnostic testing, and artemisinin-based treatments. The plan also emphasizes malaria surveillance and community engagement. Its goal is to protect 80% of at-risk populations from malaria.
The figures announced by Dembo for 2025 cases and deaths are based on reports from the national malaria programme. These numbers are separate from WHO’s modeled global estimates, which currently cover 2024. The latest national data demonstrate that malaria continues to impact millions throughout the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The country’s response combines drug administration, vaccination, mosquito control, preventive treatment, and diagnostic services. The Ituri campaign now includes mass antimalarial drug distribution alongside these measures, as part of ongoing efforts to reduce malaria cases and fatalities.