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. The nation also recorded 29,938 fatalities associated with the disease during the same year. Guy Esebe Dembo, who serves as deputy director of the National Malaria Control Programme, revealed these statistics during a campaign inauguration in Ituri province. Dembo emphasized that malaria remains the primary challenge to public health in the country. These recent figures underscore the significant disease burden present in one of Africa’s most heavily affected nations by malaria.
The National Malaria Control Programme published these figures amid expanded malaria response initiatives in Ituri. Dembo stressed the importance of continuing control efforts while authorities bolster interventions that have already demonstrated success. He also advocated for tailored approaches suited to the specific conditions of individual health zones. The initiative in Ituri focuses on mass distribution of antimalarial drugs. This campaign was launched as part of broader efforts to prevent and treat malaria. The programme oversees national strategies aimed at reducing infection rates, severe cases, and malaria-related fatalities.
According to World Health Organization, an estimated 282 million malaria cases and 610,000 deaths occurred worldwide in 2024. Africa bore approximately 95% of both cases and deaths that year. The continent experienced an estimated 265 million cases and 579,000 deaths. The Democratic Republic of the Congo accounted for 11.7% of malaria deaths in the African region. Data from WHO indicates that children under five years old accounted for roughly three quarters of all malaria fatalities across Africa. These statistics position the country among the regions with the highest malaria burden globally.
Malaria’s Impact Continues to Be Heaviest in Africa
Malaria is mainly transmitted through bites from infected female Anopheles mosquitoes, but it remains both preventable and treatable. Its early symptoms often include fever, chills, and headaches. Severe infections can lead to breathing difficulties, seizures, extreme tiredness, and loss of consciousness. The most dangerous malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, is also the most widespread species across Africa. To combat transmission and prevent severe illness, health authorities rely on mosquito nets, medications, diagnostic testing, and treatment. Early detection is critical, as 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 program. The initial phase of vaccination began in Kongo Central province following the receipt of 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 health partners. The vaccination complements existing measures such as insecticide-treated nets, preventive medications, testing, and treatment. Authorities introduced immunization as an additional tool to protect young children from malaria.
The Vaccine Launch Enhances Ongoing Malaria Control Strategies
The country’s 2024-2028 National Strategic Plan integrates multiple interventions to fight malaria in high-risk communities. This includes broader distribution of newer insecticide-treated mosquito nets and preventive treatment for pregnant women and infants. Additionally, a pilot program for seasonal malaria chemoprevention is part of the strategy. Other measures include indoor residual spraying, larval habitat management, rapid diagnostic testing, and artemisinin-based therapies. The plan also emphasizes malaria surveillance and community involvement. Overall, the goal is to protect 80% of at-risk populations from the disease.
The totals for cases and deaths in 2025, as announced by Dembo, derive from reports by the national malaria programme. These figures are separate from WHO’s modeled global estimates, which currently cover 2024. The latest national data illustrates that malaria continues to impact millions across the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The response strategy encompasses drug administration, vaccination, mosquito control, preventive treatment, and diagnostic services. The mass antimalarial drug campaign in Ituri adds to these measures as the country persists in efforts to decrease malaria-related illness and mortality.