Zimbabwe, once an international beacon of hope in the global fight against malaria, is witnessing a catastrophic resurgence that threatens to erase a decade of progress.
As the world marks World Malaria Day 2026, the country’s health landscape has shifted from a model of elimination to a scene of emergency.
According to the latest data, Zimbabwe recorded over 65 000 malaria cases and 174 deaths by mid-April 2026.
This represents a nearly twofold increase compared to the same period in 2025.
The reversal is even more stark when compared to early 2024—prior to significant aid cuts—when the country reported just 17,000 cases and 34 deaths.
Only two years ago, Zimbabwe led the world in malaria reduction, slashing incidence by over 76% and putting the country on track for zero incidence.
The primary driver of this crisis is the premature closure of the Zimbabwe Assistance Programme in Malaria, the country’s largest anti-malaria initiative, following a withdrawal of foreign aid by US President Donald Trump’s administration.
Save the Children said this funding vacuum has led to critical shortages of insecticide-treated nets, delays in indoor residual spraying (IRS), and a collapse in disease surveillance.
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Bhekimpilo Khanye, country director for Save the Children, warned that when these interventions stop, the parasite numbers do not just plateau; but they explode, creating a "complete reversal" of previous gains.
Compounding the financial shortfall is the accelerating threat of climate change.
Erratic rainfall, flooding, and rising temperatures have expanded mosquito breeding sites into areas once considered low-risk.
Experts predict that climate-related shifts could cause an additional 550 000 malaria deaths globally by 2050, with 90% of those deaths linked to the loss of protection following extreme weather.
For Zimbabwe’s most vulnerable — pregnant women and children under five — malaria remains a "disease of inequality".
The Community Working Group on Health (CWGH) called for urgent domestic resource mobilisation.
CWGH advocate for "ring-fencing" health-related taxes, such as those on sugar and airtime, to create a sustainable funding stream independent of fickle international donors.
While next-generation nets and new vaccines offer hope, progress remains fragile.
Without a renewed political commitment to support village health workers and ensure early diagnosis, the hard-won gains of the past decade may be lost forever.
