Malawi has recorded a significant decline in malaria cases and deaths during the first six months of 2026, with cases dropping by 72 percent and deaths by 51 percent.
According to National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP) Manager Lumbani Munthali, malaria cases declined from 4.2 million in 2025 to 1.1 million in 2026.
During the same period, malaria-related deaths fell from 1,143 in 2025 to 555 in 2026, representing a 51 percent reduction.
Munthali described the achievement as a major milestone in Malawi’s efforts to control and eventually eliminate malaria.
“Malaria remains a major public health threat. Therefore, Malawians should not relax their prevention efforts,” cautioned Munthali.
The Ministry of Health has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the gains through continued investment in malaria prevention, diagnosis, treatment and surveillance.
“We will continue working closely with local communities, district councils, civil society organisations and development partners to accelerate progress towards a malaria-free Malawi,” added Munthali.
