Malaria Crisis: Mashonaland West Outbreak Claims 20 Lives as Infections Pass 5,000

CHINHOYI — A severe malaria outbreak in Mashonaland West Province has claimed 20 lives and infected over 5,087 people since the start of the year. According to the latest provincial health situation report, the outbreak has now spread across all seven districts, even as the traditional rainy season begins to taper off.

While transmission remains high, the status of the outbreak varies by district. Health authorities have categorized the districts into two distinct management phases:

• Under Control: Kariba, Hurungwe, Makonde, and Sanyati.

• Elimination Phase: Mhondoro Ngezi, Chegutu, and Zvimba.

In a single 24-hour window, the province recorded 64 new infections, with Hurungwe (23 cases) and Sanyati (19 cases) emerging as the most significant current hotspots.

The report highlights a worrying trend regarding vulnerable populations. Of the most recent daily infections, seven cases were recorded in children under five, and four cases involved pregnant women. Public health expert Johannes Marisa warned that the high fatality rate is being driven by a critical lack of urgency in seeking medical attention. "Delays in malaria diagnosis are contributing to the high death rate, increasing the likelihood of fatalities," Marisa stated.

Health teams have been deployed to intensify surveillance and active case detection. However, these efforts are being hampered by a critical supply chain failure. Authorities have confirmed that insecticide-treated mosquito nets are currently out of stock in all targeted districts, though procurement is reportedly underway. With the peak transmission season typically running until June, officials are urging residents to remain vigilant and seek immediate treatment for symptoms to prevent further loss of life.

Mashonaland West malaria outbreak 2026