A report by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) shows that 572 children have died from malaria in the past five years.
The data highlights the continued threat malaria poses to public health, especially among children.
Malaria Deaths Among Children Under Five
Since 2019, malaria has claimed the lives of many children under the age of five.
In 2019, 35 children under five died from malaria.
The number rose to 40 in 2020.
In 2021, deaths dropped to 15.
In 2022, 20 children died.
The figure decreased to 9 in 2023, before rising again to 16 in 2024.
Malaria Deaths Among People Above Five Years
The report also shows high mortality among people aged over five.
In 2019, 145 people in this age group died from malaria.
In 2020, the number was 87.
In 2021, it dropped to 41.
In 2022, deaths increased to 57.
In 2023, 36 people died.
In 2024, the number rose sharply to 71.
Districts With the Highest Malaria Cases
Currently, Gisagara District leads in the number of malaria cases.
It is followed by Gasabo, Kicukiro, Nyagatare, Bugesera, and Nyarugenge districts.
Health officials say population density and environmental factors contribute to the spread.
Health Officials Warn of Rising Cases
Speaking to Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA),
Epaphrodite Habanabakize, an official in charge of malaria prevention at RBC, said that 2,800 malaria cases were recorded in September 2025 alone.
He urged citizens to take personal responsibility for prevention.
Prevention Measures Urged
Health authorities are calling on the public to follow key malaria prevention measures.
These include spraying homes, sleeping under treated mosquito nets, and regular testing.
Officials also warned that heavy rains expected in January could increase malaria transmission.
They emphasized that early prevention can save lives, especially among children.
