Harare, Zimbabwe — April 24, 2026 – A concerning rise in malaria cases and fatalities has emerged in Zimbabwe, casting a shadow over the nation’s recent strides in malaria control.
As of mid — April, the country has reported over 65,000 malaria cases and 174 deaths, nearly doubling the figures from the same period in 2025.
The surge in infections is being attributed to a combination of factors, including significant cuts in foreign aid and adverse weather conditions.
The termination of the Zimbabwe Assistance Program in Malaria (ZAPIM), a USAID-funded initiative, has left gaps in disease surveillance and vector control operations, exacerbating the situation.
Additionally, Zimbabwe’s withdrawal from a proposed $367 million health funding agreement with the U. S. (PEPFAR/USAID), citing concerns over ‘data sovereignty,’has further strained the country’s health resources.
Extreme weather, including heavy rainfall and flooding, has provided an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes, contributing to the spread of the disease.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the 2025 funding cuts to malaria programs could put millions of lives at risk and reverse decades of progress. Save the Children and the WHO are among the organizations emphasizing the gravity of the situation, with Save the Children’s Country Director for Zimbabwe and Malawi, Bhekimpilo Khanye, stating, “Communities, aid agencies, health workers, and the government had been working together to beat malaria in Zimbabwe, and we were making real progress. Last year’s aid cuts have hugely set us back.”.
The international community and health organizations are calling for urgent action to restore funding and improve access to essential health services.
As Zimbabwe’s health system grapples with the increased burden of malaria cases, the future of malaria control in the nation appears uncertain without sustained international support.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: reliefweb
Source: Save the Children
