Zimbabwe sees sharp rise in malaria cases and deaths in 2025

Zimbabwe has recorded a significant spike in malaria cases and deaths in 2025, with the Ministry of Health and Child Care confirming an alarming 180% rise in infections and a 218% surge in fatalities compared to the previous year.

According to the ministry, cumulative malaria cases have jumped from 21,309 in 2024 to 59,647 so far this year. Deaths linked to the mosquito-borne disease have also risen dramatically, from 45 last year to 143 in 2025.

In a public statement, the Ministry attributed the outbreak to a combination of environmental and behavioural factors. It noted that unusually high rainfall, humidity, and temperatures had created ideal conditions for mosquito breeding. This has coincided with an increase in outdoor activities - particularly artisanal mining, farming, tobacco curing, and cross-border trading - conducted largely during dusk and dawn hours when mosquitoes are most active.

"Many of these activities are being carried out in remote and underserved areas where access to health services is limited," the ministry said. "This results in delayed diagnosis and treatment, increasing the risk of complications and fatalities."

The country has also experienced a dramatic increase in the number of malaria outbreaks, rising from just one in 2024 to 115 this year. Out of these, only 23 have so far been brought under control. The bulk of the outbreaks have occurred in provinces where artisanal mining and agriculture are prevalent, specifically Mashonaland Central, Manicaland, and Mashonaland West. These three provinces together account for 82.8% of all reported malaria cases and 72.9% of all related deaths.

Children under the age of five have been particularly affected, making up 14% of total reported cases, the ministry added.

To combat the outbreak, the Health Ministry has rolled out a range of interventions. These include the distribution of Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs), larvicides for mosquito breeding sites, diagnostic kits, and anti-malarial medications. A total of 1,615,000 ITNs are currently being distributed across 14 high-risk districts. However, there is a shortfall of 600,000 nets following the withdrawal of funding support from the United States government.

In response to the funding gap, the government has pledged to increase domestic financing to ensure that high-risk communities remain protected. Community health teams at provincial and district levels have also intensified public awareness campaigns, encouraging early testing and the use of mosquito prevention methods.

"The country currently has adequate stocks of malaria medicines and diagnostic kits," the ministry said. "These were strategically prepositioned ahead of the peak transmission season through NatPharm, in collaboration with Provincial Medical Directors. All suspected malaria cases are being tested and treated promptly."

Efforts are also underway to strengthen collaboration with the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, in order to better reach highly mobile artisanal mining communities who remain vulnerable to infection and difficult to access for health interventions.

The Ministry warned that climate change is likely to exacerbate the malaria situation by prolonging the mosquito breeding season and increasing the vector population. It also expressed concern over the growing number of breeding sites linked to unsupervised mining activities.

"This is the high malaria transmission period," the Ministry reminded the public. "Anyone experiencing symptoms such as fever, chills, sweating, headaches, joint pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea should seek testing and treatment within 24 hours at the nearest health facility or through their village health worker."

Health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and have called on communities to remain vigilant and take all necessary precautions to prevent further spread of the disease.