Malaria, Diarrhoea Cases Rise as Health Ministry Reports Multiple Disease Burdens

Zimbabwe recorded 1 725 malaria cases and four deaths in the week ending 4 January 2026, the Ministry of Health and Child Care has said, as the country continues to battle multiple communicable disease outbreaks.

In its Weekly Disease Surveillance Report, the Ministry said: “1 725 malaria cases and four (4) deaths were reported this week.” The fatalities were recorded in Mount Darwin District, Makonde District, Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals and Chitungwiza Central Hospital.

The Ministry noted that “191 (11.1%) were from under five years of age,” while Mashonaland Central (630) and Manicaland (456) reported the highest malaria caseloads.

Cumulatively, malaria figures stand at 1 725 cases and four deaths.

Diarrhoeal diseases also remained a concern, with 4 903 common diarrhoea cases and two deaths reported during the same period.

According to the Ministry, “4 903 common diarrhoea cases and 2 deaths were reported this week,” with the fatalities occurring at Sally Mugabe Hospital in Harare and United Bulawayo Hospitals.

Children under five accounted for a significant proportion of infections, with “1 940 (39.6%)” of cases recorded in that age group. Mashonaland West (835) and Manicaland (716) provinces recorded the highest numbers.

Anthrax cases were also detected, although without fatalities. The Ministry reported that “six anthrax cases and zero deaths were reported this week,” with infections recorded in Gokwe North (5) and Gokwe South (1) districts in Midlands Province.

Dog bite incidents remained high, with 619 cases and no deaths reported. The Ministry said “115 (18.6%) were bitten by vaccinated dogs, 147 (23.7%) by unvaccinated dogs and 357 (57.7%) by dogs of unknown status.” The highest numbers were recorded in Masvingo Province (109) and Midlands Province (96).

Respiratory infections also featured prominently in the surveillance report. The Ministry said “2 893 suspected influenza cases and no deaths were reported this week,” with Manicaland (925) and Mashonaland West (898) recording the highest figures.

Meanwhile, 314 dysentery cases were reported nationwide, with no deaths. The Ministry said “the provinces that reported the highest number of clinical dysentery cases were Manicaland (72) and Mashonaland West (63).”