By Wendy Mkandawire
The Ministry of Health has announced a sharp decline in malaria cases and deaths in Malawi between January and June 2026 compared to the same period last year.
Presenting the latest malaria surveillance data, National Malaria Control Program Manager Dr. Lumbani Munthari said the country recorded 1,173,012 malaria cases in the first six months of 2026. This is down from 4,264,216 cases recorded between January and June 2025, representing a 72 percent decrease.
Munthari described the decline as remarkable progress in the fight against malaria, noting that Malawi has recorded one of its lowest malaria burdens in many years during the first half of 2026.
According to Munthari, malaria related deaths also fell significantly. The country recorded 555 deaths between January and June 2026, compared to 1,143 deaths in the same period in 2025 a 51 percent reduction.
He described the achievement as a major milestone in Malawi’s efforts to control and eventually eliminate malaria.
“The figures demonstrate that the investments and interventions being implemented by the Ministry of Health, with support from partners, are making a difference,” Munthari said.
He added that recording such a substantial decline in both cases and deaths is a significant achievement for the country.
The Ministry of Health reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the gains through continued investment in malaria prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and surveillance.
