Southern Africa is experiencing a sharp rise in malaria cases, with outbreaks reported in Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and eSwatini, according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). The resurgence underscores persistent challenges in eradicating the disease in a region increasingly impacted by climate variability, human activity, and health system gaps.
Zimbabwe has witnessed a dramatic surge in cases, reporting 111,998 suspected infections and 310 deaths by mid-June 2025, a steep increase from 29,031 cases and 49 deaths in the same period last year. Dr Memory Mapfumo of Africa CDC attributes the rise to prolonged rains, exposure-prone activities like gold panning and artisanal mining, and poor usage of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs). Mashonaland Central and Manicaland provinces are the most affected, accounting for 32% of cases and 25% of deaths, respectively.
Botswana has also seen a troubling increase. Between January and June 2025, the country recorded 2,223 cases and 11 deaths, a tenfold increase from the same period in 2024. The Okavango region alone accounts for 69% of infections. Flooding from heavy rains has created ideal mosquito breeding conditions, while limited awareness and community resistance have slowed intervention efforts.
In eSwatini, which is in the malaria elimination phase, the Ministry of Health has raised alarm over a recent uptick, reporting 187 cases between July 2024 and March 2025. Children under 15 make up 15% of cases, contributing to school absenteeism. Farmers, particularly those working illegally in mountain regions at night, also form a significant proportion of infections.
Namibia is facing its worst outbreak in years, with 89,959 cases and 146 deaths reported since late 2024. The hardest-hit districts include Katima Mulilo and Rundu, with males, children over five, and pregnant women among the most affected. Notably, 18% of the cases are imported from neighbouring countries, illustrating the challenges posed by porous borders and regional mobility.
“The rise in malaria is not just a national crisis; it is a regional and global concern,” said Dr Merawi Aragaw, head of Africa CDC’s Surveillance and Disease Intelligence. “Climate change is expanding the habitat of malaria-carrying mosquitoes, and without coordinated, cross-border efforts, we risk reversing decades of progress.”
Africa remains the global epicentre of malaria, accounting for 95% of the 263 million cases reported globally in 2023. While countries like Cabo Verde have achieved malaria-free status and Egypt is nearing certification, much of southern Africa still faces recurring outbreaks.
Africa CDC stresses the need for stronger vector control, better surveillance, wider ITN coverage, and public education to curb the spread. Regional cooperation, especially in border areas, and timely data reporting are also essential to effective response.
Despite the grim statistics, experts believe that elimination is achievable. “The path is challenging, but not impossible,” said Dr Mapfumo. “Success stories like Cabo Verde show what is possible when science, policy, and communities work together.”
Written By Rodney Mbua
