Malaria outbreaks are rising in parts of southern Africa, with drug-resistant strains posing a significant threat. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) region is seeing increased cases, particularly in border areas where movement of people complicates control efforts.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), partial resistance to artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) has been confirmed in Rwanda and Uganda, and there are concerns about spread to southern Africa. The WHO's 2025 World Malaria Report notes that while global malaria cases remain high, Africa accounts for 95% of cases and 96% of deaths.
Dr. Stephanie van Wyk from the University of Cape Town and Dr. Donnie Mategela from the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine highlight that climate change and insecticide resistance in mosquitoes are exacerbating the problem. They call for enhanced surveillance and new treatments.
The SADC has launched a regional response plan, focusing on cross-border collaboration, improved diagnostics, and the deployment of next-generation antimalarials. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has pledged additional funding for research into novel drugs and vaccines.
As of April 2026, no widespread artemisinin resistance has been reported in southern Africa, but experts warn that proactive measures are critical to prevent a public health crisis.
