Health and Environment
Bulawayo – Zimbabwe is confronting a dramatic increase in malaria infections, with official data ranking it among the Southern African nations with the sharpest rise in cases for 2025, according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
By the end of July this year, the country had recorded 111,998 suspected malaria cases and 310 deaths. This represents a severe jump from the 29,031 cases and 49 deaths reported during the same period in 2024, placing immense pressure on the nation’s healthcare infrastructure.
In a statement, the Africa CDC highlighted the uneven distribution of the outbreak, noting,
“Data shows that 115 of Zimbabwe’s 1,705 health facilities have been affected, with Mashonaland Central Province alone accounting for 32% of all malaria cases. Meanwhile, Manicaland has reported 25% of the country’s malaria-related deaths, underscoring the uneven but severe toll of the disease.”
Health experts point to a critical shortfall in preventive measures as a key driver of the crisis. The low uptake of insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) has been identified as a major factor, worsening community exposure and leaving households vulnerable while overstretching frontline health workers.
The situation in Zimbabwe reflects a broader regional challenge.
“Although malaria is endemic across sub-Saharan Africa, Zimbabwe’s rising numbers mirror a broader regional trend,” the Africa CDC stated.
“Neighboring 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 like small-scale mining and agriculture.”
Historically, Southern Africa has experienced lower malaria prevalence than central regions of the continent. However, changing weather patterns, cross-border migration, and persistent gaps in prevention efforts continue to fuel new outbreaks. Experts warn that reversing this rising tide will require faster, more targeted, and sustained interventions from the government and its international partners.
ZimGBCNews | Global News From An African Perspective©2025