The number of malaria deaths in Mozambique fell by 38% in the first six epidemiological weeks of 2026, despite a significant increase in cases during the same period. The announcement was made on Thursday (19) in Maputo by the Director-General of Public Health, Quinhas Fernandes, who highlighted the decrease in deaths even in a context of higher incidence of the disease.
According to the data presented, the country recorded 49 deaths in the first six weeks of this year, compared to 79 in the same period in 2025. However, the number of cases increased by 55%, from 876,000 to more than 1.3 million in the same period.
“Almost all provinces recorded an increase in cases, with the exception of Cabo Delgado, which saw a reduction of around 40%,” said Quinhas Fernandes. According to the official, the worsening incidence coincides with the rainy, hot, and cyclonic season, a period in which, historically, the disease peaks.
Quinhas Fernandes also explained that the increase in cases is mainly affecting the central and northern regions of the country, although the south is also registering new episodes. In view of the recent floods, the health sector has set up 59 health posts in accommodation centers, with the aim of ensuring the continuity of services.
“Currently, 17 stations remain in operation, accompanying the gradual closure of accommodation centers,” said Quinhas Fernandes. In these units, around 1,200 people have been diagnosed and treated for malaria, which is one of the main causes of healthcare seeking, second only to acute respiratory infections.
As an immediate response, more than 26,000 mosquito nets were distributed, out of a planned total of around 40,000. Of these, more than 17,000 were delivered in Gaza province, more than 3,000 in Maputo city, and more than 4,000 in Maputo province.
“To reinforce prevention, the sector carried out indoor spraying in 728 rooms in accommodation centers,” added Quinhas Fernandes.
The Ministry of Health also decided to bring forward the universal mosquito net distribution campaign, initially planned for August, to the period between April and June in the provinces of Gaza and Inhambane.
“For this campaign, it is expected that around 865,000 mosquito nets will be distributed in Gaza and 941,000 in Inhambane. These figures may be adjusted after the final assessment of needs,” explained the Director-General of Public Health, adding that spraying and the application of larvicides are also planned in districts and neighborhoods identified as being at risk.
Source: Agência de Informação de Moçambique (AIM)
