The Swiss Expert Committee for Travel Medicine (EKRM) has assessed the malaria situation in Southern Africa following a recent rise in cases in 2026 — notably in Namibia and Zimbabwe (see EpiNews, 11 June 2026) — together with forecasts of increased precipitation and favorable mosquito-breeding conditions in the coming months. Based on currently limited data, the Committee issues the following temporary recommendation for July–August 2026:

Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe:

• Malaria chemoprophylaxis is temporarily extended to cover June–August 2026 in regions designated as seasonal malaria risk (see map). In previous years, these months were classified as moderate risk requiring only mosquito bite avoidance (plus in risk situations carrying a stand-by emergency treatment). The situation is being closely monitored and will be reassessed.

South Africa, Eswatini:

• No change to current recommendations. Mosquito bite prevention remains advised for June–August 2026 in regions marked as seasonal malaria risk (see map). As in previous years, the high-risk season requiring chemoprophylaxis runs from September to May.