Online Reporter
Freedom Mupanedemo Midlands Bureau
ZIBAGWE Rural District Council has recorded 17 malaria-related deaths from 39 confirmed cases during the first quarter of 2026, with artisanal mining areas among those identified as hotspots.
This was revealed by ZRDC chief executive officer, Mr Farayi Machaya, during a recent full council meeting.
“To date, 17 deaths have been recorded out of 39 confirmed malaria cases,” Mr Machaya said.
He said there was a surge in malaria cases, adding that the Ministry of Health and Child Care had identified mining and farming areas such as Samambwa, Sidakeni and Jena Mines as hotspots.
“Of the recorded malaria cases, approximately 53 percent were recorded among artisanal miners,” he said.
Mr Machaya attributed the spread of malaria in affected areas partly to stagnant water created by streambank cultivation and artisanal mining, which was providing breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
He noted that the situation required a multi-stakeholder response involving communities and relevant authorities to improve malaria awareness and access to treatment.
“We recommend measures including environmental cleanliness, mine land reclamation, improved accommodation at mining sites, mobile clinic services and indoor residual spraying,” said Mr Machaya.
He said the district had previously been removed from the list of malaria control districts in the Midlands province, but the reported increase in cases has raised concern over the district’s current malaria situation.
