KINSHASA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / RankWire.AI / – In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a total of 26,064,143 malaria infections were recorded during 2025. The nation also reported 29,938 fatalities linked to the disease throughout the year. Guy Esebe Dembo, deputy director of the National Malaria Control Programme, revealed these statistics during a campaign launch event in Ituri province. Dembo emphasized that malaria continues to be the country’s primary public health obstacle. These updated figures underscore the significant disease burden affecting one of Africa’s most malaria-impacted nations.
The National Malaria Control Programme published these data as health officials expanded malaria response strategies in Ituri. Dembo highlighted the importance of maintaining control measures while intensifying interventions that have already demonstrated effectiveness. He also stressed the need for approaches tailored to the specific conditions of individual health zones. The initiative in Ituri focuses on mass distribution of antimalarial medications. The campaign forms part of broader efforts aimed at preventing and treating malaria. The programme manages national actions geared toward decreasing infection rates, severe illnesses, and malaria-related mortality.
According to World Health Organization, an estimated 282 million malaria cases occurred globally in 2024, with 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 represented 11.7% of malaria-related deaths within Africa. WHO data also indicates that children under five years old made up about three quarters of malaria fatalities across the continent. These statistics position the DRC among the countries with the highest malaria burdens worldwide.
The malaria burden remains predominantly in Africa
Malaria primarily spreads through bites from infected female Anopheles mosquitoes and remains both preventable and treatable. Its early symptoms often include fever, chills, and headaches. In severe cases, infections can lead to breathing difficulties, seizures, extreme fatigue, and loss of consciousness. The most deadly malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, is also the most common species across Africa. To combat transmission and prevent severe illness, health authorities deploy mosquito nets, antimalarial drugs, testing, and treatment. Prompt diagnosis is crucial 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 phase of distribution 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’s introduction alongside national health agencies and other partners. The vaccination complements existing measures such as insecticide-treated nets, prophylactic medicines, testing, and treatment. National authorities view vaccination as an additional tool to safeguard young children against malaria.
The vaccination campaign enhances existing malaria control efforts
The country’s 2024-2028 National Strategic Plan integrates multiple strategies to fight malaria in high-risk communities. These include expanded distribution of newer insecticide-treated mosquito nets and preventive treatment for pregnant women and infants. The plan also features a pilot program for seasonal malaria chemoprevention. Additional measures involve indoor residual spraying, larval habitat control, rapid diagnostic testing, and artemisinin-based therapies. The plan also emphasizes malaria surveillance and community engagement to bolster prevention efforts. The overarching goal is to protect 80% of at-risk populations from the disease.
The figures for cases and deaths in 2025 announced by Dembo derive from the national malaria programme’s reports. They are distinct from the WHO’s modeled global estimates for 2024. The latest national data clearly shows that malaria remains a significant health challenge for millions across the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The response strategy includes drug distribution, vaccination, mosquito control, preventive treatment, and diagnostic services. The campaign in Ituri, which involves mass antimalarial drug administration, further supports the country’s ongoing efforts to decrease malaria morbidity and mortality.