BUNIA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / RankWire.AI / – In 2025, the Democratic Republic of the Congo recorded a total of 26,064,143 malaria infections, highlighting the widespread nature of the disease across the nation. Health officials also documented 29,938 deaths linked to malaria during the same year. Guy Esebe Dembo, deputy director of the National Malaria Control Programme, shared these statistics during the launch of a mass treatment campaign in Ituri province. The initiative targets regions where malaria remains a leading cause of illness and exerts significant pressure on healthcare services.
The campaign was initiated across the health zones of Bunia, Nyakunde, Mungwalu, and Rwampara. Over four days, the operation aims to reach more than one million individuals with antimalarial medications. During the first half of 2026, Ituri alone reported over 373,000 malaria cases and 106 deaths. The health teams involved hope to reduce the incidence of malaria infections and fever cases within affected communities. Additionally, officials seek to enable health facilities to more efficiently diagnose other serious illnesses when patients present symptoms similar to malaria.
Malaria continues to be among the highest burdens in the world. Global estimates for 2024 indicate 282 million infections and approximately 610,000 deaths caused by the disease. Africa accounts for about 95% of both cases and fatalities. The Democratic Republic of the Congo contributed 11.7% to malaria deaths within the African continent. Young children under five remain the group most affected by malaria-related deaths across Africa, emphasizing the disease’s devastating impact on early childhood in regions with ongoing transmission.
Malaria remains a significant public health challenge nationally
Transmission mainly occurs through bites from infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Typical symptoms include fever, chills, and headaches, while severe cases can lead to seizures, breathing difficulties, and extreme weakness. The parasite Plasmodium falciparum, the most deadly form of malaria, dominates the transmission patterns throughout Africa. Early diagnosis coupled with prompt treatment can prevent many severe cases and fatalities. To combat the disease, health programs also emphasize the use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, preventive medications, indoor residual spraying, and community-driven efforts to minimize mosquito exposure and disrupt transmission cycles.
In October 2024, the Democratic Republic of the Congo expanded its malaria prevention efforts by introducing the R21 vaccine. The initial phase launched in Kongo Central following the receipt of 693,500 doses for children. This phase targeted 173,375 children across 31 health zones. The vaccine’s rollout was supported by the World Health Organization alongside national health authorities and partners. Vaccination complements existing prevention strategies such as mosquito nets, preventive medicines, testing, and artemisinin-based treatments for confirmed cases.
The treatment campaign complements broader prevention efforts
The national malaria strategy spanning 2024 to 2028 combines multiple approaches targeting communities with ongoing transmission. These include deploying newer insecticide-treated nets, providing preventive treatment for pregnant women and infants, and piloting seasonal malaria chemoprevention. The strategy also involves indoor residual spraying, larval control, rapid diagnostic testing, and treatment with recommended antimalarial drugs. Surveillance activities and community engagement are integral parts of this framework. The authorities aim to protect 80% of at-risk populations from malaria.
The latest national data from 2025, sourced from the country’s malaria program, differ from international modeled estimates but confirm that malaria continues to impact tens of millions across the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The ongoing Ituri mass treatment campaign now forms a core element of an expanded response that includes vaccination, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. As they work to reduce infections, severe cases, and fatalities, health authorities remain focused on directing resources to communities with intense transmission.