Aid cuts and climate change drive deadly malaria surge in Zimbabwe
Summary
Malaria cases and deaths in Zimbabwe have sharply increased due to cuts in US foreign aid and disruptions to health programs. The reduction in funding has limited access to malaria prevention tools like mosquito nets, test kits, and medicine, leading to a rise in infections and fatalities.Key Facts
- Malaria cases in Zimbabwe rose to 65,399 between January and April 2026, up from 36,000 in the same period in 2025.
- Malaria deaths increased to 174 in early 2026, compared to 85 in 2025.
- US President Donald Trump cut foreign aid funding for health programs, including those in Zimbabwe, after starting a second term in 2025.
- Programs like ZENTO and ZAPIM II, which supported malaria control, diagnosis, and research, were disrupted by funding cuts.
- Zimbabwe depends on donor money for essential supplies like mosquito nets, diagnostic kits, and malaria medicines.
- Many people, including affected families, cannot afford mosquito nets and have stopped using them due to lack of resources.
- Health workers report shortages of malaria test kits and drugs, impacting their ability to treat patients locally.
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