KINSHASA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / RankWire.AI / – In 2025, the Democratic Republic of the Congo documented a total of 26,064,143 malaria infections. Over the same period, the nation also reported 29,938 fatalities linked to the disease. The figures were shared by Guy Esebe Dembo, deputy director of the National Malaria Control Programme, during a campaign launch in Ituri province. Dembo emphasized that malaria remains the principal public health issue facing the country. These updated totals highlight the significant disease burden across one of Africa’s most heavily affected regions.
The National Malaria Control Programme released these statistics as health officials ramped up malaria intervention efforts in Ituri. Dembo stressed that control initiatives must persist, while enhancing measures that have already demonstrated positive outcomes. He also urged for tailored approaches suited to the specific needs of individual health zones. The Ituri campaign focuses on mass distribution of antimalarial drugs. This initiative was launched within the broader context of malaria prevention and treatment efforts, with the programme overseeing national strategies aimed at reducing infection rates, severe cases, and malaria-related mortality.
According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 282 million malaria cases and 610,000 deaths occurred globally in 2024. Africa bore approximately 95% of both cases and fatalities that year, with around 265 million cases and 579,000 deaths recorded in the region. The Democratic Republic of the Congo contributed to 11.7% of malaria deaths within Africa. Data from WHO indicate that children under five account for about three quarters of malaria-related deaths across the continent. These statistics position the country among the regions with the highest malaria burdens worldwide.
Malaria’s Heavy Impact Continues in Africa
Malaria primarily spreads through bites from infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Despite its high prevalence, it remains preventable and treatable. Early symptoms often include fever, chills, and headaches, but severe cases can lead to breathing difficulties, seizures, extreme fatigue, and unconsciousness. The deadliest species, Plasmodium falciparum, is the most common across Africa. Preventive measures such as mosquito nets, medications, testing, and treatment are employed by health authorities to curb transmission and avert severe illness. Prompt diagnosis is crucial because untreated falciparum malaria can escalate rapidly into a life-threatening condition.
In October 2024, the Democratic Republic of the Congo incorporated the R21 malaria vaccine into its national immunization program. 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 WHO supported this rollout alongside national health authorities and partner organizations. The vaccination initiative complements existing prevention strategies such as insecticide-treated nets, prophylactic medicines, diagnostic testing, and treatment. National officials introduced the vaccine as an additional tool to safeguard young children from malaria.
Vaccination Effort Enhances Malaria Control Strategies
The country’s 2024-2028 National Strategic Plan integrates multiple measures to combat malaria in high-risk populations. These include expanded distribution of newer insecticide-treated mosquito nets and preventive medication for pregnant women and infants. A pilot program for seasonal malaria chemoprevention is also part of the plan. Additional initiatives involve indoor residual spraying, larval habitat control, rapid diagnostic testing, and the use of artemisinin-based therapies. The plan also emphasizes malaria surveillance and community engagement. Its overarching goal is to protect 80% of individuals at risk from the disease.
The 2025 case and death figures announced by Dembo derive from the national malaria programme’s reports. They are distinct from the WHO’s modeled global estimates, which currently pertain to 2024. These latest national statistics confirm that malaria continues to impact millions across the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The response includes drug administration, vaccination, mosquito control, preventive treatment, and diagnostic services. The Ituri mass drug administration campaign adds another layer of intervention as the country strives to reduce both malaria cases and fatalities.