Story by Abigirl Tembo, Health Editor
GOVERNMENT has intensified malaria control measures as the country responds to a seasonal increase in cases, with efforts directed at strengthening indoor residual spraying, improving access to insecticides, and adopting new strategies to prevent mosquito resistance.
Health and Child Care Minister, Dr Douglas Mombeshora, says the interventions are aimed at ensuring Zimbabwe remains on course towards malaria elimination despite the current surge in infections.
Zimbabwe has recorded 136 148 malaria cases and over 100 deaths this year, representing a 22.7 percent increase compared to the same period last year.
The highest burden has been recorded in Mashonaland Central Province, which accounts for 55,654 cases (41 percent), followed by Manicaland Province with 30 175 cases (22 percent).
Speaking on government interventions, Dr Mombeshora said authorities are strengthening indoor residual spraying programmes, addressing challenges related to insecticide supplies and rotating chemicals used in spraying operations to reduce mosquito resistance.
“We are looking at a number of measures to make sure that we get on top of malaria. We are strengthening indoor residual spraying, addressing challenges with the supply of DDT and changing the chemicals we use where resistance is detected. We want to continue moving towards the elimination of malaria, and we believe we will get there,” he said.
The minister revealed that one of the major challenges this year relates to delays in the indoor residual spraying programme after quality concerns were detected in insecticides procured for Zimbabwe.
“There was a bit of a challenge with our supplies for indoor residual spraying. The quality was not good, but the issue was detected before the supplies were delivered to Zimbabwe. Engagements were made with the supplier to rectify the problem, although this resulted in delays in receiving the correct quality chemicals,” Dr Mombeshora said.
Health authorities report that 481 malaria outbreaks have been recorded this year, with 374, representing 78 percent, having been brought under control.
Experts attribute outbreaks to several factors, including low indoor residual spraying coverage, which currently stands at 78 percent against the 85 percent threshold required for impact, outdoor transmission among artisanal miners, farmers, charcoal producers and border communities, as well as changes in mosquito vector distribution in some districts.
Districts affected by outdoor transmission include Nyanga, Mutasa, Zvimba, Mhondoro-Ngezi, Uzumba-Maramba-Pfungwe, Muzarabani, Murehwa, Mutoko, Mudzi and Chimanimani.
Government and its partners are responding through enhanced community engagement, targeted spraying and larviciding, continued distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, and ensuring adequate supplies of medicines and diagnostic commodities at both community and health facility levels.
The Ministry of Health and Child Care says malaria deaths remain highest in Mashonaland Central, which accounts for 28 percent of the deaths.
Districts reporting high mortality include Mt Darwin and Guruve,
Meanwhile, the country is scaling up mosquito net distribution, with mass campaigns completed in Bikita, Zaka and Makonde districts and ongoing in five other targeted districts. An additional 1.2 million mosquito nets are expected to be procured for distribution next year.
Dr Mombeshora said the government is also working with regional partners to secure adequate supplies of DDT, which remains one of the most effective insecticides used in malaria control programmes under international public health exemptions.
Health experts have also observed a recurring global trend in which malaria cases tend to peak every three years, with 2026 being one of the peak years. While the cause remains unclear, specialists are closely monitoring the pattern as Zimbabwe continues efforts to eliminate the disease.
