By Martha Kanene
Zambia has recorded a 16 percent increase in malaria cases in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year.
Health Minister Elijah Muchima says the number of cases rose from 205 to 237. However, he noted a positive development: malaria-related deaths declined, with the mortality rate dropping from 4 percent to 3 percent.
Speaking in Lusaka during the commemoration of SADC Malaria Week, the Minister highlighted Zambia’s progress in 2024, when malaria cases fell from 11.5 million in 2023 to 9.5 million. This translated to a reduction from 403 to 305 cases per 1,000 population, with a 40 percent drop in mortality.
Dr. Muchima attributed the improvements to intensified interventions targeting high-risk areas and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to malaria prevention.
Meanwhile, Dr. Ntuli Kapologwe, Director General of the East, Central and Southern Africa Health Community, paid a courtesy call on Dr. Muchima. During the meeting, Dr. Kapologwe announced that Zambia will host the upcoming Regional Health Summit next week and revealed that three new health projects will be launched to strengthen the country’s health system.
