Malaria cases surge in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is facing a worrying resurgence of malaria, with nearly 140 000 cases and 376 deaths reported as of mid-September 2025, threatening to reverse years of public health progress. Children under five, pregnant women, and the elderly are particularly vulnerable as health authorities struggle to contain the outbreak.

Experts point to a combination of prolonged rains, inadequate vector control measures, and socio-economic factors as driving the spike. La Niña-induced rainfall in provinces such as Mashonaland Central and Mashonaland East has created ideal mosquito breeding grounds, while Mashonaland West saw malaria incidence surge nearly fivefold from 1.54 to 7.66 per 1 000 people.

Funding cuts from the United States earlier this year have further exacerbated the situation. The Zento mosquito surveillance programme at Africa University in Manicaland, which had successfully reduced malaria cases from 145 775 in 2020 to 8 035 by 2024, saw cases triple to 27 212 in 2025 following the funding withdrawal.

Health experts warn that socio-economic challenges, including poor infrastructure and limited access to healthcare in rural areas, are worsening the crisis. Delays in seeking treatment and stretched clinic resources are contributing to rising fatalities.

Despite the surge, Zimbabwe remains committed to malaria elimination by 2030, with the National Malaria Control Programme focusing on vector control, community engagement, and adherence to WHO guidelines. Cross-border collaboration with neighbouring countries is also underway to strengthen surveillance and control efforts.

Regional experts caution that climate change, combined with human activities such as mining and agriculture, is increasing exposure to malaria across southern Africa, highlighting the need for coordinated international response.

Health authorities stress that sustained funding, community mobilisation, and timely interventions are critical to reversing the current trend. As Prof Sungano Mharakurwa of Africa University notes, "If we can mobilise the right resources and community support, we can turn the tide against this deadly scourge."