BUNIA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / RankWire.AI / – In 2025, the Democratic Republic of the Congo documented 26,064,143 malaria infections, highlighting the extensive reach of the disease nationwide. The health authorities also reported a total of 29,938 malaria-related fatalities during that year. During the launch of a large-scale treatment initiative in Ituri province, Guy Esebe Dembo, deputy director of the National Malaria Control Programme, shared these statistics. The campaign is concentrated on regions where malaria remains a significant source of illness and exerts considerable pressure on healthcare facilities.
The Ituri campaign was initiated across multiple health zones, including Bunia, Nyakunde, Mungwalu, and Rwampara. This four-day effort aims to deliver antimalarial drugs to over one million residents. In the first half of 2026, Ituri experienced more than 373,000 malaria cases and 106 deaths. The initiative aims to reduce the prevalence of malaria and fever-related cases in affected communities, while also helping health centers better identify other serious illnesses that may present with similar symptoms when patients arrive.
The malaria burden in the DRC remains among the highest globally. Global estimates for 2024 suggest 282 million infections, resulting in approximately 610,000 deaths. Africa accounts for about 95% of both cases and fatalities. Within the continent, the DRC contributed to 11.7% of all malaria deaths. Young children under five continue to bear the brunt of malaria mortality across Africa, underscoring the disease’s devastating effect on young populations in areas of ongoing transmission.
Malaria continues to pose a significant national health challenge
Transmission of malaria predominantly occurs through bites from infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Typical symptoms include fever, chills, and headaches; however, severe cases can lead to seizures, respiratory issues, and extreme weakness. Plasmodium falciparum, the most lethal malaria parasite, is responsible for the majority of transmission across Africa. Early detection and immediate treatment are crucial in preventing severe illness and death. In addition, health programs leverage insecticide-treated mosquito nets, preventive medicines, indoor spraying, and community-level interventions to limit exposure and interrupt transmission cycles.
In October 2024, the Democratic Republic of the Congo expanded its malaria prevention strategy with the introduction of the R21 vaccine. The initial phase was launched in Kongo Central after receiving 693,500 doses for children. This rollout targeted 173,375 children across 31 health zones. The World Health Organization supported the vaccine introduction alongside national health authorities and partners. The vaccination program complements existing methods, such as mosquito nets, preventive treatments, testing, and artemisinin-based medicines for confirmed malaria cases.
The treatment campaign supports broader prevention efforts
For the years 2024 through 2028, the national malaria strategy integrates multiple approaches aimed at communities where transmission remains persistent. Measures planned include the deployment of newer insecticide-treated nets, preventive treatment for pregnant women and infants, and a seasonal malaria chemoprevention pilot. The strategy also encompasses indoor residual spraying, larval control, rapid diagnostic testing, and treatment with recommended antimalarial medicines. Surveillance and community engagement are integral to this plan. The goal is to shield 80% of individuals at risk from malaria.
The 2025 figures, derived from the country’s malaria program, reflect the most recent official count and differ from international modeled estimates. The data confirms that malaria continues to impact millions across the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The ongoing mass treatment effort in Ituri is part of an overarching response that includes vaccination, prevention measures, diagnosis, and treatment. Authorities are prioritizing resource allocation in heavily affected communities as they work to reduce infection rates, severe cases, and fatalities associated with malaria.