Malawi has recorded a sharp decline in malaria cases and deaths during the first half of 2026, with health authorities attributing the gains to intensified prevention measures, improved access to treatment and stronger community participation.
Figures released by the National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP) show that the country recorded 1,173,012 malaria cases and 555 deaths between January and June this year, down from 4,264,216 cases and 1,143 deaths during the same period in 2025. This represents a 72 percent reduction in cases and a 51 percent decline in deaths.
NMCP Manager, Dr. Lumbani Munthali, has described the results as a major milestone in Malawi’s fight against malaria, crediting the expanded distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, indoor residual spraying, improved diagnosis and treatment, the malaria vaccine rollout, strengthened surveillance and the commitment of frontline health workers.
“These figures demonstrate that the investments and interventions being implemented by the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, with support from our partners, are making a real difference. Recording such a substantial decline in both malaria cases and deaths is a significant achievement for the country and should encourage us to continue strengthening our response,” said Dr. Munthali.
Acting Deputy Director of Community and Promotive Health Services in the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Mavuto Thomas, says greater public awareness has encouraged more people to sleep under insecticide-treated mosquito nets and seek prompt testing and treatment for fever.
He, however, warns that the progress could easily be reversed if preventive measures are neglected.
“Malaria is not gone. The progress we are celebrating today is because communities have been protecting themselves. If we stop using mosquito nets and other preventive measures, malaria will quickly return,” Thomas said.
He urged households to continue using treated mosquito nets every night, seek early treatment for fever and eliminate mosquito breeding sites around their homes.
The Ministry of Health and Sanitation says it will continue working with district councils, communities and development partners to sustain the gains and accelerate progress towards eliminating malaria as a public health threat.