KINSHASA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / RankWire.AI / – In 2025, the Democratic Republic of the Congo reported a total of 26,064,143 malaria infections. The same year, the nation also documented 29,938 fatalities associated with the disease. During a campaign launch in Ituri province, Guy Esebe Dembo, deputy director of the National Malaria Control Programme, revealed these figures. He emphasized that malaria continues to be the country’s foremost public health issue. These updated statistics highlight the significant disease burden affecting one of Africa’s most heavily impacted nations by malaria.
The National Malaria Control Programme issued these data as health authorities ramped up malaria response activities in Ituri. Dembo stressed that ongoing control initiatives are vital, while also calling for the reinforcement of strategies proven to be effective. He advocated for tailored approaches adapted to the specific conditions of individual health zones. The Ituri project focuses on mass distribution of antimalarial medications. This campaign is part of broader malaria prevention and treatment strategies, with the aim of reducing infection rates, severe cases, and mortality related to malaria.
The World Health Organization estimated that there were 282 million malaria cases globally in 2024, resulting in approximately 610,000 deaths. Africa bore the brunt of this burden, accounting for roughly 95% of both cases and fatalities. Specifically, the continent recorded an estimated 265 million cases and 579,000 deaths. The Democratic Republic of the Congo contributed to 11.7% of malaria deaths within Africa. According to WHO data, children under five years old made up about three quarters of malaria deaths across the continent. These statistics position the DRC among the countries with the highest malaria burden worldwide.
The ongoing malaria challenge persists mainly in Africa
Malaria transmission primarily occurs through bites from infected female Anopheles mosquitoes and remains both preventable and treatable. Initial symptoms often include fever, chills, and headaches. If untreated, severe infections can lead to breathing difficulties, seizures, intense fatigue, and impaired consciousness. The most lethal malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, is also the most common species found in Africa. To limit transmission and prevent severe illness, health authorities utilize mosquito nets, antimalarial medicines, testing, and treatment. Early diagnosis is crucial because if falciparum malaria is left untreated, it 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 rollout commenced in Kongo Central province following the receipt of 693,500 vaccine doses. The phase targeted 173,375 children across 31 health zones. The World Health Organization supported this introduction alongside the country’s health officials and other partners. The vaccine adds to existing malaria control measures such as insecticide-treated nets, preventive medications, testing, and treatment. Authorities see vaccination as an additional tool to safeguard young children from malaria.
Introduction of the vaccine complements existing national strategies
Between 2024 and 2028, the country’s National Strategic Plan for malaria aims to implement multiple interventions targeting high-risk communities. These include expanded distribution of advanced insecticide-treated nets and prophylactic treatment for pregnant women and infants. The plan also features a pilot program for seasonal malaria chemoprevention. Additional measures encompass indoor residual spraying, larval habitat management, rapid diagnostic testing, and artemisinin-based therapies. Community engagement and enhanced surveillance are integral parts of the strategy, which aims to protect 80% of individuals at risk.
The case and death figures announced by Dembo for 2025 are based on reports from the national malaria programme. These figures are distinct from the WHO’s modeled global estimates, which currently cover data for 2024. The latest national data indicate that malaria continues to impact millions across the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The country’s response includes drug administration, vaccination, mosquito control, prophylactic treatment, and diagnostic services. The Ituri initiative, adding mass antimalarial drug distribution, underscores the ongoing efforts to reduce both malaria cases and fatalities within the country.