More than 26 million people were infected with malaria in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2025, according to official data released on Saturday.
Data from the National Malaria Control Programme showed that the country recorded 29,938 deaths due to malaria.
The control programme’s deputy director Guy Dembo said malaria remains the main public health challenge in DR Congo, requiring collective interventions.
“Despite concerted efforts, the burden of malaria remains significant for our health system and our communities,” he said. “In view of the situation, we must continue to strengthen high-impact interventions while evaluating new approaches adapted to our health zones.”
Prevention and response
Dembo told reporters in Ituri province that the government launched a mass administration of anti-malarial drugs earlier this week as part of efforts to accelerate action to end malaria.
He said the campaign would strengthen prevention and response.
He rallied authorities, health professionals, partners, and communities to act as champions of malaria elimination.
Malaria continues to claim hundreds of thousands of lives each year across the African region, with the heaviest toll falling on young children, according to the World Health Organization.
