Aid Cuts Reverse Zimbabwe’s Malaria Progress, Causing Surge in Cases and Deaths
Zimbabwe is witnessing a troubling resurgence of malaria cases and fatalities, reversing years of progress in combating the disease. This alarming trend follows significant cuts to foreign aid, as highlighted by Save the Children on the eve of World Malaria Day.
As of mid-April 2026, the country has reported over 65,000 malaria cases, nearly double the figures from the same period in 2025. The death toll has also surged to 174, almost double the previous year’s count. In stark contrast, between January and April 2024, prior to the aid reductions, Zimbabwe recorded approximately 17,000 cases and 34 deaths, illustrating the drastic impact of the funding cuts.
Impact of Aid Cuts on Malaria Programs
The cuts in foreign aid led to the premature termination of the second phase of Zimbabwe’s largest malaria initiative, the Zimbabwe Assistance Program in Malaria (ZAPIM). This program was instrumental in the country’s efforts to eliminate malaria. Save the Children, one of the four organizations involved in the program, reported that the program’s closure has resulted in critical shortages of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, delays in vector control operations, and weakened disease surveillance. Additionally, heavy rainfall and fluctuating weather patterns have exacerbated the spread of malaria.
Malaria continues to be the leading cause of death among children over one month old globally, accounting for 17% of child fatalities. Most of these deaths occur in endemic regions of sub-Saharan Africa, according to a recent report from the World Health Organization (WHO). The report indicates that progress in reducing malaria mortality has slowed in recent years, following significant declines between 2000 and 2015. Factors such as climate shocks, invasive mosquito species, and drug resistance continue to hinder access to effective prevention and treatment.
Zimbabwe’s Previous Success in Malaria Reduction
For over a decade, Zimbabwe was celebrated as a global success story in malaria reduction. In 2024, the country achieved the most significant gains worldwide in both malaria incidence and mortality. From 2023 to 2024, Zimbabwe reduced malaria cases by 76.6%, equivalent to 487,000 cases. The country was on track to achieve a reduction of over 70% and potentially reach zero incidence by 2025.
This success was largely attributed to sustained investment from international partners, including the ZAPIM. By 2023, more than one-fifth of Zimbabwe’s population was living in malaria-free areas, according to WHO data.
The Call for Sustained Commitment
Save the Children emphasized that eliminating malaria is still achievable, but it requires ongoing commitment and investment. The organization is advocating for predictable, long-term funding to safeguard children’s lives and prevent a resurgence of malaria in communities that had begun to see significant improvements.
Bhekimpilo Khanye, Save the Children’s Country Director for Zimbabwe and Malawi, stated that communities, aid agencies, health workers, and the government had collaborated for years to combat malaria effectively. However, he noted that the recent aid cuts have severely undermined these efforts.
Khanye elaborated that projects aimed at the total elimination of malaria in specific regions take time to yield results. Once malaria parasite numbers decline in a community, the effect is cumulative, leading to fewer breeding grounds and ultimately reducing the numbers to zero. Conversely, halting these initiatives leads to a rapid increase in cases, reversing previous gains.
Khanye called on global donors and leaders to refocus their attention on malaria, a leading cause of death among young children. He stressed that malaria is preventable and that collaborative efforts can bring case numbers down and save lives in Zimbabwe.
Save the Children has been active in Zimbabwe since 1983 and is currently scaling up its emergency response to assist the most vulnerable children. The organization’s focus includes food security, health, nutrition, education, and child protection.
For further details, visit the source: www.zawya.com.
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Published on 2026-04-24 22:47:00 • By the Editorial Desk
