Zimbabwe Grapples with Severe Malaria Outbreak- claimed the lives of 253 people out of 73,207 reported cases.

By Senior Reporter

Zimbabwe is currently battling a severe malaria outbreak, with a concerning surge in cases and fatalities placing immense strain on the country’s already fragile healthcare system. According to the Ministry of Health and Child Care’s disease surveillance report for the week ending May 11, 2025, malaria has claimed the lives of 253 people out of 73,207 reported cases. The report further revealed a grim statistic: 33 deaths and 11,030 new cases were recorded in just a single week, highlighting the rapid spread and severity of the outbreak.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has issued a stark warning about the escalating malaria crisis in Zimbabwe. The IFRC’s report underscores the immense pressure being exerted on healthcare facilities, particularly in rural areas where resources are already stretched thin. Mashonaland West province has emerged as a major malaria hotspot, with 47 confirmed deaths and a case fatality rate of 0.33% as of May 2, 2025.

The IFRC report highlights that La Niña-induced rains, poor insecticide-treated net (ITN) coverage, and high exposure in farming and mining zones have created conditions that dramatically worsened transmission. The report also notes that persistent hotspots and ongoing new cases show that the outbreak had not yet been fully contained by early May, especially where vector control gaps and late treatment-seeking behaviors persist.

The surge in malaria cases has had a ripple effect on other essential health services. The IFRC report states that the overwhelming influx of patients has diverted attention and resources away from maternal and child health programs, immunizations, and chronic disease management. Clinics and hospitals have faced increased patient loads, leading to potential shortages in medical supplies and staff fatigue.

The malaria outbreak has also taken a toll on community mental well-being. The IFRC reports that the 2025 malaria cases have exceeded the seasonal threshold, resulting in increased morbidity and mortality, with 47 confirmed deaths reported as of May 2, 2025, in Mashonaland West province. Fear of contracting the disease and concerns about the availability of treatment have impacted mental well-being. Secondary effects of the outbreak include increased absenteeism from work among adults and from school among children, adversely affecting academic performance and long-term educational outcomes.

The Ministry of Health is now implementing a program to help the most vulnerable populations in three districts with the highest malaria cases. However, Zimbabwe’s fight against malaria has been further complicated by the reduction in international aid. The United States, which previously provided significant support for malaria prevention and treatment, has paused its aid programs, resulting in a shortfall of 600,000 mosquito nets, threatening crucial prevention programs.