Between January and mid-April 2026, Zimbabwe reported 65’399 malaria cases and 174 deaths, nearly double the number of cases reported during the same period in 2025 (around 36'000) and almost four times the 2024 total (around 17’000). The outbreak has affected multiple districts across Manicaland, Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland East, and Mashonaland West, including areas previously nearing elimination.
Similar increases are being observed across other countries in Southern Africa Region. The surge has been linked to heavy rainfall during the 2025–2026 season, which created favorable mosquito-breeding.
Meteorological forecasts predict increased rainfall across southern African countries in the upcoming months. Given the already high malaria case numbers from January to May 2026 in Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe, it is possible that these countries will face heightened malaria risk from June to August, even in areas where risk is typically moderate during these months.
Optimal mosquito protection 24/7 (at dusk and at night against malaria, during the day against other arboviruses).
Malaria chemoprophylaxis is recommended, including during the usually moderate transmission period from June to August in seasonal risk areas, given the recent increase in malaria cases and the forecasted increased precipitations in the upcoming months and favorable conditions for mosquito breeding.