BUNIA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The Democratic Republic of the Congo documented 26,064,143 malaria infections in 2025, highlighting the extensive reach of the disease nationwide. During the same year, health authorities also recorded 29,938 fatalities associated with malaria. Guy Esebe Dembo, deputy director of the National Malaria Control Programme, revealed these statistics during the launch of a mass treatment initiative in Ituri province. This campaign specifically targets regions where malaria remains a leading cause of illness and exerts significant pressure on healthcare services.
The Ituri campaign was initiated across the health zones of Bunia, Nyakunde, Mungwalu, and Rwampara. Over the course of four days, the operation aims to provide antimalarial medication to more than one million residents. In the first half of 2026, Ituri alone reported over 373,000 malaria cases and 106 deaths. The health teams are leveraging this campaign to reduce infection rates and fever cases within affected communities. Additionally, officials seek to improve health facilities’ capacity to identify other severe illnesses more swiftly when patients present symptoms that resemble malaria.
Malaria’s burden in the Democratic Republic of the Congo remains among the highest globally. International estimates for 2024 suggest there were 282 million infections, resulting in approximately 610,000 deaths. Africa accounted for about 95% of both cases and fatalities. The Democratic Republic of the Congo contributed 11.7% to malaria-related deaths in the African region. Young children under five continue to bear the brunt of malaria mortality across the continent, emphasizing the disease’s devastating impact on early childhood in countries with ongoing transmission.
Malaria continues to pose a significant public health challenge nationally
Transmission primarily occurs via bites from infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Typical symptoms include fever, chills, and headaches, whereas severe cases may lead to seizures, breathing difficulties, and extreme fatigue. Plasmodium falciparum, the most lethal malaria parasite, predominantly drives transmission in Africa. Early detection and swift treatment are crucial in preventing many serious cases and fatalities. Existing health strategies also incorporate insecticide-treated mosquito nets, prophylactic medications, indoor spraying, and community-driven efforts to reduce exposure and break the cycle of transmission.
In October 2024, the Democratic Republic of the Congo expanded its malaria prevention efforts with the rollout of the R21 vaccine. The initial phase took place in Kongo Central, where 693,500 doses were administered to children. This effort aimed to vaccinate 173,375 children across 31 health zones. The World Health Organization supported the vaccine introduction alongside the national health authorities and partners. The vaccination campaign complements existing measures such as mosquito nets, preventive medicines, testing, and artemisinin-based treatments for confirmed malaria cases.
The treatment initiative supplements broader preventive strategies
The national malaria plan for 2024–2028 integrates multiple methods to address ongoing transmission within affected communities. These include deploying newer insecticide-treated nets, providing prophylactic treatment for pregnant women and infants, and piloting seasonal malaria chemoprevention. The strategy also involves indoor residual spraying, larval habitat control, rapid diagnostic testing, and administering recommended antimalarial medications. Surveillance activities and community involvement are integral parts of this comprehensive approach. The government aims to safeguard 80% of at-risk populations from malaria.
The 2025 figures reflect the latest data from the country’s malaria program, differing from international modeled estimates. They reveal that malaria continues to impact millions across the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The mass treatment campaign in Ituri now forms a component of an extensive response that includes vaccination, prevention, testing, and treatment. Authorities remain focused on targeting resource allocation to high-transmission areas to curb infections, severe illnesses, and deaths related to malaria.