More than 2,000 new malaria cases on average are reported in the Zambezi Region weekly, according to the region’s Health Director, Woita Kapumburu.

Kapumburu, in a malaria update on Thursday, said cases over the past four weeks have surpassed 11,000.

The western parts of the region are particularly hard-hit, with villages like Sibbinda, Choi, Sesheke, Sangwali, Chetto, and Masokotwani reporting the highest numbers.

Four malaria-related deaths have been recorded since January 2025.

The report indicated that residual indoor spraying efforts fell short of their 100% target due to various challenges.

These include mosquitoes breeding in untreated water ponds used for consumption, community members sharing medication with children and failing to complete prescribed courses, inconsistent pharmaceutical supply, and high rates of re-infection among individuals residing in crop fields, which serve as mosquito breeding grounds.

Kapumburu, however, indicated that residents are cooperating with health teams on the ground.
“Most people are allowing inspections of their households and surroundings. Teams are responding to the outbreak in areas with high numbers of malaria cases. Team leaders and supervisors then meet every Friday to review data collected in the field,” he stated.

To combat the escalating crisis, the directorate has recommended continuing malaria sensitisation programmes through radio talk shows, the elimination of potential breeding sites through de-bushing and other methods, and strengthening human resources at hospitals and health facilities.

Kapumburu further indicated that 165 new healthcare workers were recruited on April 1, 2025, to address the malaria outbreak and other health needs in the region. However, the report emphasised the urgent need for additional financial resources, vehicles, tents, mattresses, linens, mosquito nets and additional labourers to effectively reduce the surge in malaria cases.