Over 600 Cumulative Deaths from Malaria and Common Diarrhoea

Itai Mazire

The country has recorded a combined 601 cumulative deaths from malaria and common diarrhoea so far this year, according to the latest Weekly Disease Surveillance Report issued by the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC).

The report shows that cumulative figures now stand at 435 deaths from malaria and 166 deaths from common diarrhoea.

The Ministry of Health has expressed concern over the continued strain that preventable diseases are placing on the country’s health system.

In its update for the week ending 30 November 2025, the ministry reported new fatalities from both conditions.

“For diarrhoea, the report noted that 5 402 common diarrhoea cases and two (2) deaths were recorded during the week. The deaths were reported from Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare Metropolitan Province.

“On malaria, the ministry confirmed that 519 malaria cases and six (6) deaths were reported during the same period, with fatalities recorded in Mbire, Mount Darwin, Mutare, Sanyati, Beitbridge, and at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital in Harare,” the report stated.

Both diseases continue to affect children the most, with the report indicating a worrying burden among under-five children. For diarrhoea, 2 287 cases (42 percent) were reported among children under five years of age, while for malaria, 60 cases (11.6 percent) involved children in the same age group.

These figures highlight persistent vulnerabilities among young children, who remain the most at risk as the country approaches the peak of the rainy season.