More than 400,000 people were diagnosed with malaria in Rwanda during the last three months of 2025, according to data from the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC).
The data shows that 442,678 people tested positive for malaria between September and November 2025.
Health officials say the sharp increase was mainly caused by the rainy season, which creates a favorable environment for mosquito breeding.
Malaria Cases Rose During the Rainy Season
Figures show that malaria cases increased steadily during this period.
In September 2025, 114,804 people were diagnosed with malaria.
The number rose to 165,854 cases in October.
In November, 162,020 people tested positive.
The New Times reported that heavy rainfall contributed significantly to the rise in infections.
High Transmission Period Explained
The Director of the Malaria Control Division at RBC, Dr Aimable Mbituyumuremyi, explained the seasonal trend.
“From September to January, malaria transmission is usually high because of rainfall,” he said.
He noted that increased mosquito activity during this period leads to more infections.
Spraying Campaigns to Fight Malaria
To reduce malaria transmission, RBC carried out indoor residual spraying between October and December 2025.
The exercise was conducted in 28 high-risk sectors across Gisagara, Nyanza, Bugesera, Kirehe, Rwamagana, and Nyagatare districts.
During the campaign, 1,031,676 residents were protected against malaria.
Dr Mbituyumuremyi said the spraying program will continue in 2026.
He added that another spraying campaign is planned between February and March in high-risk sectors of Gasabo, Kicukiro, Nyarugenge, Nyaruguru, Nyamagabe, Muhanga, Gakenke, Musanze, Gicumbi, Rulindo, Nyamasheke, Karongi, and Rusizi districts.
Distribution of Mosquito Nets
In addition to spraying, the government will distribute mosquito nets.
This activity will take place between February and May 2025 in areas considered to be at moderate risk.
Health officials say mosquito nets remain one of the most effective tools for malaria prevention.
Rwanda Considers Malaria Vaccine
Rwanda has also started discussions on introducing a malaria vaccine into the national immunization program.
However, officials say the talks are still at an early stage.
No final decision has been made on the type of vaccine to be adopted.
New Malaria Treatments Introduced
Since 2025, health centers in Rwanda have introduced new malaria treatments.
The medicines include Dihydroartemisinin-Piperaquine (DHAP) and Artesunate-Pyronaridine (ASPY).
These drugs support Coartem, which remains the standard malaria treatment.
Malaria Deaths Over the Past Five Years
A report by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) shows that malaria caused the deaths of 572 children over the past five years.
Among children under five years old, malaria deaths were recorded as follows:
- 35 in 2019
- 40 in 2020
- 15 in 2021
- 20 in 2022
- 9 in 2023
- 16 in 2024
Among people aged over five years, malaria deaths were:
- 145 in 2019
- 87 in 2020
- 41 in 2021
- 57 in 2022
- 36 in 2023
- 71 in 2024
Health authorities stress the importance of early testing, treatment, and prevention to reduce malaria-related deaths.
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