The North West District has recorded 104 malaria cases and one death since October 2025, as the country experiences a significant surge in infections.
Cases have been reported in Maun, Bodibeng, Bothatogo, Kareng, Legothwana, Makalamabedi, Maputo, Matlapana, Sankoyo, Sehithwa, Sexaxa, Somelo, and Tsau. The figures were revealed by North West District Monitoring and Evaluation Officer Thobego Mbodze during a Church Leadership and Pastors address on Road Traffic Safety in Maun this past Friday.
According to Mbodze, the infected include 81 males, 23 females, and 10 children under the age of five. Nationally, Botswana has recorded 729 indigenous malaria cases during the 2025/2026 transmission season. The Okavango District is the hardest hit, accounting for 76% of these cases, leading health officials there to officially declare a malaria outbreak.
Eight malaria-related deaths have been recorded nationwide so far. Recent heavy rains, which created ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes, are linked to the spike in infections.
Mbodze urged the public to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as fever, chills, fatigue, muscle aches, or digestive issues like nausea and vomiting. He warned that severe malaria can lead to jaundice, seizures, kidney failure, or cerebral malaria, which may result in coma or death. To control the spread, he advised residents to eliminate standing water, use bed nets, maintain clean environments, and wear protective clothing.
On a global scale, Mbodze noted that 2024 saw an estimated 282 million malaria cases and 610,000 deaths. The WHO African Region carries the heaviest burden, accounting for approximately 94% of cases and 95% of deaths worldwide, with children under five representing 75% of all malaria deaths in Africa.
