By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
As Zimbabwe concludes its peak malaria transmission season, the country has observed a promising decline in new malaria infections. However, worryingly, there has been a epochal increase in malaria-related deaths, raising concerns among health authorities.
According to an update released on Monday by the Ministry of Health and Child Care, between Week 1 and Week 23 of 2025, a total of 126 malaria cases were recorded nationwide. Of these, 121 cases were successfully managed and controlled, leaving only five active cases.
“The decline in cases is largely due to the end of the rainy season and the onset of winter, which reduces mosquito breeding due to lower temperatures and drier conditions,” the Ministry explained.
Despite this positive trend in case numbers, the Ministry highlighted a concerning spike in fatalities. Malaria-related deaths surged from 51 in 2024 to 317 in 2025. The increase is primarily attributed to delays in accessing treatment, especially in remote areas far from health facilities where many cases occur.
Most of the fatalities were recorded in rural regions, where limited access to timely healthcare remains a persistent challenge. Provinces such as Mashonaland Central, Manicaland, and Mashonaland West continue to bear the heaviest malaria burden. These areas face high rainfall, rural livelihoods, and inadequate healthcare access, particularly in artisanal mining communities.
In contrast, urban centers like Harare and Bulawayo reported significantly fewer cases 685 and 67 respectively mainly involving patients referred from rural areas or those with complications.
The Ministry emphasized the importance of continued vigilance, urging citizens, especially those in high-risk zones, to adhere to preventive measures. These include wearing protective clothing during sunset and sunrise, using mosquito repellents, sleeping in sprayed rooms under Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS), and consistently sleeping under Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITNs).
“Seek treatment within 24 hours from Village Health Workers or the nearest health facility to prevent progression to severe disease and reduce the risk of death,” the Ministry advised.
Health officials reiterated the need for community participation in malaria prevention and prompt treatment to sustain gains made during the season and prevent future fatalities.