Harare, (New Ziana) -Zimbabwe on Friday joined the global community in commemorating World Malaria Day amid calls for renewed political will, increased investment, and innovation to sustain the fight against the disease, that still poses a significant public health threat despite years of progress.

The commemorations were held under the theme “Malaria Ends with Us”, which underscores three key pillars namely Reinvest, Reimagine, and Reignite.

In a statement, the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) emphasized the need for greater domestic resource mobilization in malaria affected countries, replenishment of global health financing mechanisms like the Global Fund and the Global Vaccine Alliance, Gavi.

Additionally, innovation to tackle growing challenges such as climate change and resistance to medicine and insecticides, and collective action to maintain momentum toward elimination.

Zimbabwe has made significant strides in malaria control over the past four years with disease incidence dropping from 32 cases per 1 000 population in 2020 to 4 per 1 000 last year.

Deaths also decreased from 400 in 2020 to 109 in 2024 although officials warn that these gains remain fragile.

A surge in cases this year has raised concerns as by Week 15 of 2025, malaria cases had increased by 107 percent, rising from 17 539 last year to 36 423.

Malaria-related deaths have more than doubled from 34 to 85 during the same period with the Ministry attributing the spike to factors including climate change, increased rainfall and temperature, economic activities like artisanal mining that create breeding grounds for mosquitoes as well as late presentation to health facilities.

New Ziana