Malaria prevalence drops to 0.04pc in Zanzibar

ZANZIBAR: MALARIA prevalence in Zanzibar has declined from about 40 per cent to 0.04 per cent over the past 25 years, bringing the islands close to elimination.

Speaking during the 2026 World Malaria Day commemorations in Mwanakwerekwe, Director of Preventive Services, Dr Slim Salim, said malaria remains a public health concern that requires collective action across all sectors.

He said the islands have reduced malaria prevalence from about 40 percent to just 0.04 percent over the past 25 years, marking one of the most notable public health achievements in the region.

However, he cautioned that the low rate may create a false sense of security, as reduced symptoms have led to complacency among some members of the public.

“Certain areas continue to record higher infection rates, particularly the Urban West Region, which accounts for 55 percent of cases, followed by North A District with 31 percent,” Dr Salim said Unguja Island contributes about 94 per cent of infections, largely due to increased population movement, while Pemba accounts for about six percent.

Statistics presented during the event show that malaria cases declined from 19,065 in 2023 to 17,118 in 2025, while deaths dropped from 29 to nine over the same period.

No malaria-related deaths have been recorded between January and April this year. Health experts say the majority of infections occur among people aged between 15 and 45, particularly men engaged in outdoor occupations such as fishing, construction and transport.

Dr Salim urged wananchi to continue using insecticidetreated mosquito nets, maintain environmental cleanliness and seek early testing and treatment.

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“Even a single mosquito can infect many people. Communities must take responsibility by eliminating breeding sites and seeking timely medical care,” he said.

The government has introduced new strategies, including the use of drones to spray larvicides in mosquito breeding areas and the establishment of the Zanzibar End Malaria Council to mobilise domestic resources.

Meanwhile, the Zanzibar Malaria Elimination Programme (ZAMEP) is implementing a three-year initiative, the Malaria Elimination in Zanzibar (MEZA) project, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

The project, which runs from November 2024 to September 2027, focuses on strengthening surveillance systems, improving datadriven decision-making and addressing remaining malaria hotspots.