Malaria Resurgence in Zimbabwe Amid US Aid Cuts
Efforts in Zimbabwe to manage malaria have faced a significant setback, as experts report a sharp increase in cases. In 2025, the country has already recorded 115 outbreaks, a stark contrast to just one in the previous year.
This alarming rise follows a funding halt by the US, initiated by Donald Trump, which has impacted research and national response programs. The cuts, made in January, affected important funding for initiatives targeting tuberculosis, HIV/Aids, and malaria, severely hindering the operations of the Zimbabwe Entomological Support Programme in Malaria (Zento) at Africa University. This program has been vital in supplying scientific research to assist the nation’s fight against malaria.
The health ministry noted a staggering 180% increase in malaria cases during the first four months of 2025. Malaria-related deaths also rose by 218%, jumping from 45 the previous year to 143 this year. By June 26, the reported malaria cases reached 119,648, with 334 deaths.
Access to essential preventative measures like mosquito nets has also been disrupted, leaving many vulnerable to mosquito bites. The health ministry indicated that while 1,615,000 insecticide-treated nets were planned for distribution, a shortfall of 600,000 occurred due to the withdrawal of US funding.
Itai Rusike, director of the Community Working Group on Health in Zimbabwe, emphasized that these funding issues threaten the significant progress made in malaria control over the last two decades. He remarked, “Consistent domestic funding is essential to maintain our prevention and treatment initiatives.”
“Without mosquito nets and preventative treatments for pregnant women, lives are at risk. A disruption in the supply of test kits and treatments will lead to more cases and fatalities,” he added. Notably, children under five years old account for 14% of malaria cases, a concerning statistic.
Zimbabwe’s goal is to eliminate malaria by 2030, as part of the broader aim set by the African Union. Strategies include raising community awareness, ensuring protective measures, and enhancing surveillance systems.
Dr. Henry Madzorera, a former health minister, suggested that Zimbabwe should focus on mobilizing its own resources to make up for the lost funding, stating, “We have taxes designated for health – we should use them effectively for health promotion and disease prevention.” He also stressed the importance of early treatment for malaria.
Madzorera further noted that the nation should not depend heavily on donor support for malaria elimination efforts.
In 2024, USAID allocated $270 million for various health and agriculture programs in Zimbabwe.
Deputy Health Minister Sleiman Kwidini acknowledged the disruptions caused by the US funding cuts, particularly in the distribution of mosquito nets. He mentioned, “We are now responsible for procuring those nets after the withdrawal of US support. There’s been a setback, but we remain focused on eliminating malaria by 2030.”
Prof. Sungano Mharakurwa, director of Africa University’s Malaria Institute, expressed optimism that recovery is possible with proper funding. “If we receive financial support, we can rapidly advance our efforts and achieve significant progress against malaria once more,” he said.
He also pointed out that the Zento mosquito surveillance program had shown promising results in Manicaland province, leading to a significant drop in malaria cases just before the funding cuts. “It had just been expanded and set to run for five years,” he explained. The success was evident, with malaria cases dropping from 145,775 in 2020 to just 28,387 after the program commenced in 2021. However, cases surged again to 27,212 in 2025 after funding was cut.
Mharakurwa concluded, “Malaria returned dramatically after the cuts, and the numbers surged beyond any levels we’ve seen since the project began.” He also noted that unusually high rainfall this year has further exacerbated the situation, facilitating malaria transmission.
