Ituri Launches Malaria Campaign To Support Ebola Response

Bunia, August 15, 2026 - Health authorities in Ituri launched a mass anti-malaria drug campaign on August 14 to reduce fever cases, ease pressure on health facilities and strengthen the province's response to an Ebola outbreak.

The provincial health division recorded about 100 malaria-related deaths in the first half of 2026. Malaria remains one of the main reasons for health center visits in the province, complicating early Ebola detection because both diseases can present with fever.

The first phase targets the Bunia, Nyakunde, Mungwalu and Rwampara health zones and is expected to reach more than 1 million people over four days.

Ituri's military governor called for broad community mobilization to support uptake. Health officials say community participation is essential to reducing the malaria burden and improving identification of suspected Ebola cases in eastern DRC.