Staff Reporter

Zimbabwe has reached the end of its peak malaria transmission season, but the toll left in its wake has been described as “worrying” by health authorities.

According to a press release issued today by the Ministry of Health and Child Care, the country recorded 126 malaria outbreaks between January and June this year, with 121 now under control and five still active.

The Ministry confirmed a dramatic surge in malaria cases from 29,085 in 2024 to 111 998 in 2025, alongside a spike in malaria-related deaths, rising from 51 to 317.

“This increase is largely due to delays in accessing treatment, as many cases occurred in remote locations far from health facilities,” read the statement.

The Ministry cited multiple contributing factors to the outbreak, including higher-than-average rainfall, temperature fluctuations, and increased outdoor economic activities such as artisanal mining, tobacco curing, and market gardening, which heightened exposure to mosquito bites.

“The end of the rainy season and onset of winter has contributed to the current decline, as colder, drier conditions are less favourable for mosquito breeding,” the Ministry added.

The burden of disease has not been evenly distributed across the country.

The provinces of Mashonaland Central, Manicaland, and Mashonaland West accounted for the majority of the reported cases and deaths.

“These provinces are malaria hotspots due to high rainfall, rural outdoor activities, and limited access to timely healthcare, especially in artisanal mining zones,” the Ministry said.

Urban areas were less affected, with Harare reporting 685 cases and Bulawayo recording 67 cases, mainly from complicated or referred cases.

The Ministry urged the public, especially those in high-risk areas, to continue taking preventive measures.

“We urge all citizens, especially artisanal miners and rural communities, to wear protective clothing outdoors between sunset and sunrise, use mosquito repellents, sleep in sprayed rooms, and always sleep under an insecticide-treated net.

Importantly, we appeal to the public to seek treatment within 24 hours from a Village Health Worker or the nearest health facility to prevent severe illness and deaths,” the statement concluded.

Meanwhile, Government is continuing to monitor the remaining active outbreaks and has pledged to intensify control efforts ahead of the next transmission cycle.