The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has launched an operational research programme on malaria in Zimbabwe, Lesotho and Namibia, targeting evidence-based solutions to prevent recurring outbreaks in Southern Africa.
The initiative is backed by a US$150 000 grant from the World Bank and will run from 14 November to 12 December 2025 in the three countries. The research comes amid a surge in malaria cases and deaths in Southern Africa.
According to national data, Zimbabwe recorded a 180% increase in cumulative malaria cases between Week 1 and Week 17 of 2025 — rising from 21,309 cases in 2024 to 59,647 this year. Malaria deaths also spiked by 218%, from 45 to 143, with Mashonaland Central, Manicaland and Mashonaland West accounting for more than 80 percent of infections.
Africa CDC said the new project aims to strengthen country-level malaria control and elimination efforts by generating data to guide tailored interventions.
“The operational research aims to generate evidence-based data to enhance malaria control and elimination strategies in Southern Africa, where many live in endemic areas,” said Dr Lul Pout Riek, Director of the Southern Africa Regional Coordinating Centre.
Zimbabwe is expected to benefit from the research which will evaluate vector behaviour, integrated vector control and outbreak dynamics. The study will examine the effectiveness and acceptability of larvicides, indoor residual spraying, antimalarial mass treatment and community-based interventions.
“This operational research will generate actionable evidence for optimising vector control operations, updating policy, reinforcing health system delivery, and informing cross-border initiatives,” said Professor Nicholas Midzi, Director of the National Public Health Institute of Zimbabwe.
Africa CDC scientists will work alongside Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Health, the National Public Health Institute, public health experts and local researchers. The study will use tools such as vector bionomics, mathematical modelling and simulation to better understand transmission patterns, while also assessing bottlenecks in healthcare access during outbreaks.
The research programme is expected to generate recommendations to strengthen malaria surveillance, outbreak response, case management and supply-chain systems, while bolstering regional capacity for malaria elimination.
“Africa CDC remains committed to supporting Member States in their efforts to control and eliminate malaria. This operational research is a key step towards generating evidence-based solutions to end malaria in Southern Africa,” the agency said.
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