The Mpumalanga Department of Health has recorded a 59% reduction in malaria cases in the 2024/25 fiscal year.

In the current year 1 066 cases were recorded, a significant drop compared with 2 578 in 2023/24.

The MEC for health, Sasekani Manzini, said a further reduction is expected, especially in the Ehlanzeni district, as most cases were linked to individuals in Bushbuckridge, Mbombela and Nkomazi.

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“We have a story to tell of significant achievement regarding malaria deaths, which have been reduced from 21 to three deaths between 2023/24 and 2024/25. That translates to an 86% reduction in deaths. During 2024/25, we had only one local and two imported transmissions leading to deaths. Our local transmission has also been reduced from 702 to 69 local cases, which is a 90% reduction,” she said.

Manzini revealed these statistics in her keynote address at the commemoration of World Malaria Day, held at Nutting House Lodge on Friday, May 2.

The day was observed under the theme, ‘Malaria ends with us to reinvest, reimagine, reignite’, which is aimed at publicising the need for continuous investment in malaria elimination.

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Manzini said malaria is preventable, treatable and curable, while urging the public to take note of the early signs of infection such as fever, headache, body pains, extreme sweating, vomiting and diarrhoea.

She said that any person who is experiencing one or more of these symptoms – and who has been in an area where malaria is prevalent – should not delay visiting their nearest healthcare facility.

She added that a malaria infection can get complicated quickly, making it hard to manage, which could lead to death.

The event was attended by government dignitaries, clinical health services workers, provincial malaria spray operators, members of the Traditional Health Organisation and community members.