Zimbabwe records decline in malaria cases

As Zimbabwe emerges from its peak malaria transmission season, the Ministry of Health and Child Care has reported a notable drop in new malaria infections - but a sharp and troubling increase in malaria-related deaths.

In an update released on Monday, the Ministry revealed that 126 cumulative cases of malaria were recorded between Week 1 and Week 23 of 2025. Of these, 121 cases were successfully treated, while five remain active.

Health officials attributed the decline in new cases to the end of the rainy season and the onset of winter, conditions that limit mosquito breeding due to lower temperatures and reduced humidity.

However, the decline in infections has been overshadowed by a dramatic surge in malaria fatalities. According to the Ministry, malaria deaths soared from 51 in 2024 to 317 in 2025, with the majority of deaths occurring in remote rural areas where access to timely medical care is severely constrained.

"The increase in deaths is largely due to delays in accessing treatment, as many cases occurred in remote locations far from health facilities," the Ministry said.

Mashonaland Central, Manicaland, and Mashonaland West provinces continue to bear the brunt of the malaria burden. These regions experience high rainfall, have rural-based populations, and are home to artisanal mining communities with limited healthcare access—factors which contribute significantly to the high fatality rate.

In contrast, urban centres such as Harare and Bulawayo recorded far fewer cases, with 685 and 67 respectively. Most of these cases involved patients referred from rural areas or those presenting with complications after delayed treatment.

Despite the overall drop in infections, the Ministry is urging the public to remain vigilant and take preventive measures, particularly in high-risk zones.

"We urge all citizens, especially those in high-risk zones and artisanal miners, to wear clothing that covers most of your body when outdoors between sunset and sunrise, use mosquito repellents, sleep in sprayed rooms in districts that receive Indoor Residual Spraying, and sleep under an Insecticide Treated Net every day," the Ministry said.

The Ministry also stressed the importance of seeking treatment within 24 hours of symptom onset, either from a Village Health Worker or the nearest health facility, to prevent progression to severe disease and potential death.

Authorities say the malaria situation remains under control but are closely monitoring rural communities to ensure more rapid response in the event of new outbreaks.