Malaria Crisis Deepens In Zimbabwe As Cases Triple In One Year
Zimbabwe has recorded a staggering rise in malaria cases this year, with 111,998 suspected infections and 310 deaths reported by July 2025, according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
This marks a more than threefold increase from the same period last year, when 29,031 cases and 49 deaths were recorded.
The outbreak has placed immense strain on the country’s health system, affecting 115 of Zimbabwe’s 1,705 health facilities.
Mashonaland Central Province has emerged as the hardest-hit region, accounting for 32% of all reported cases.
Meanwhile, Manicaland Province has recorded 25% of the country’s malaria-related deaths, highlighting the uneven but severe impact of the disease.
Africa CDC noted that the surge in Zimbabwe’s malaria cases is part of a broader trend affecting the region.
“Although malaria is endemic across sub-Saharan Africa, Zimbabwe’s rising numbers mirror a broader regional trend,” the agency said.
Neighbouring countries including Botswana, eSwatini, and Namibia have also reported fresh outbreaks this year, driven by shifting climate patterns, prolonged rainy seasons, and high-risk livelihoods such as small-scale mining and agriculture.
Southern Africa has historically recorded lower malaria prevalence compared to central Africa, but experts warn that changing weather conditions, cross-border migration, and gaps in prevention are fuelling new outbreaks.
The low uptake of insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) has left many communities exposed, stretching frontline health workers to their limits.
“Experts say the situation demands faster, more targeted and sustained interventions if Zimbabwe and its neighbours are to reverse the rising tide,” Africa CDC added.
According to CITE, the outbreak highlights the urgency of coordinated regional responses and stronger public health campaigns.
As the disease continues to spread, authorities are being urged to scale up surveillance, improve access to ITNs, and reinforce healthcare infrastructure to contain the crisis.
