Lunda-norte: The province of Lunda-Norte has witnessed a 0.5 percent reduction in malaria cases in 2025, recording 353,081 diagnoses compared to 355,602 in the same period of the previous year. According to Angola Press News Agency, the data was revealed by Heitor Andre, head of the local Public Health department, who attributed the decrease to various programs implemented by health authorities to prevent and combat the disease in the region. Heitor Andre emphasized that the Health Secretariat, in collaboration with social partners, is committed to reinforcing interventions outlined in the national strategic plan for malaria prevention and control. Key strategies include the distribution of mosquito nets, early diagnosis and treatment of cases, and ongoing monitoring, evaluation, and epidemiological surveillance. The municipality of Dundo, the province's capital, was identified as the most endemic area, reporting 60,398 cases. While the number of deaths was not specified, Heitor Andre noted that 45,447 of the diagnosed cases required hospitalization. The disease predominantly affected at-risk groups, including women and children, with 16,670 cases among pregnant women and 11,623 among children under five. Heitor Andre highlighted a concerning trend of patients arriving late to health facilities after initially seeking traditional treatments and church remedies, increasing the risk of complications and fatalities. He urged community members to seek immediate medical attention upon noticing symptoms of malaria. The Lunda-Norte Health sector is supported by 115 doctors working in five provincial-level hospitals, six municipal units, 80 medical posts, and 13 health centers. The province, with an estimated population of 1.7 million, comprises 19 municipalities, including Dundo, Cambulo, Lucapa, Chitato, and others.
