Aid cuts and climate change drive a deadly malaria surge in Zimbabwe
Malaria cases in Zimbabwe have nearly doubled since the start of the year as the rainy season extended and international health funding contracted. Rural districts report shortages of medicines and bednets. The Health Ministry is calling for emergency support. This article is not medical advice.
Reporting from Harare, Al Jazeera cites Zimbabwe Health Ministry data showing malaria cases rose from about 168,000 at the start of 2026 to around 312,000 by 28 May, with 280 deaths recorded so far. Mashonaland Central and Manicaland provinces report the highest case loads. Officials say the May rainy period extended about two weeks longer than usual, lengthening the Anopheles mosquito breeding window.
On the international side, budget adjustments to the Global Fund and PEPFAR programmes have cut malaria support for Zimbabwe by an estimated 38 million dollars. Health Minister Mombeshora told AJ that 'bednet supply is constrained and rapid diagnostic stocks have less than six weeks of cover'. WHO Africa Regional Director Moeti called on partners for 'priority resource allocation over the next three months'.
Experts emphasise that the article should not be read as medical advice and that anyone with symptoms should consult their local health centre. For surge response, a joint cross-border plan with South Africa and Mozambique will be tabled at a SADC health ministers meeting in mid-June. A planned expansion of rapid diagnostic capacity is seen as the principal tool that can flatten the case curve in the coming weeks.
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