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Over 10,000 Malaria Cases Reported in Kigali Within 30 Days, Says Rwanda Biomedical Center
The Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) has revealed that more than 10,000 cases of malaria were detected in the City of Kigali over a 30-day period, as part of a new household-based testing strategy conducted at the village level.
According to RBC, the testing took place between April 21 and May 18, 2025, and targeted households with a combined population of over 50,000 people. This new approach was launched in response to research indicating a resurgence of malaria infections in several regions of the country.
In 15 sectors across Kigali, RBC reports that 34,963 individuals—roughly 70% of those targeted—were tested. Of these, 10,339 people (30%) tested positive for malaria. In total, 14,787 individuals were found to be infected among the 50,147 residents screened.
Data from February 2025 showed that Kigali led the country in malaria cases. Gasabo District recorded the highest number with 15,409 cases, while Kicukiro followed with 10,473 cases. With 5,161 reported cases, Nyarugenge District placed fifth among all districts nationwide. RBC has recently announced that due to the rising prevalence of the malaria parasite, entire households will now be tested if a single member is diagnosed.
Those found to be infected—whether symptomatic or not—will be treated immediately. Kigali, being the most affected area, was the starting point for the new strategy. Testing and treatment are being conducted at the village level by Community Health Workers.
Epaphrodite Habanabakize, a malaria specialist at RBC, explained that mosquitoes can transmit the malaria parasite to everyone in a household, even if only one person initially shows symptoms.
“It’s possible for multiple members of a household to be carrying the malaria parasite without showing symptoms,” he said. “Now, if a Community Health Worker or doctor identifies one malaria case, all household members will be tested. Anyone found with the parasite will be treated, even if they aren’t symptomatic.”
RBC Director General, Prof. Claude M. Muvunyi, emphasized that every citizen plays a vital role in the fight to eliminate malaria.
“Early detection and treatment are essential to permanently eradicating malaria,” he said. “Every battle starts inside each of us.”
RBC also reported a significant increase in malaria cases in 2024, with a rise of 200,000 compared to 2023—from 600,000 to 800,000 cases. However, overall figures show long-term progress: in 2016/17, Rwanda recorded five million malaria cases, including 18,000 severe cases and 300 deaths.
