The Programme National de Lutte contre le Paludisme (PNLP) has updated the National Malaria Case Management Protocol in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Published in June 2026, the updated protocol provides new guidance for the treatment of uncomplicated and severe malaria and broadens the therapeutic options available to medical teams.
Malaria remains a major public-health challenge in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Ensuring that clinicians have access to clear and up-to-date treatment guidance is essential to improving patient care and adapting clinical practice as treatment approaches evolve.
The June 2026 National Malaria Case Management Protocol, issued by the PNLP, provides updated guidance for diagnosis and treatment across different patient groups and levels of disease severity.
One of the important developments is the Multiple First-Line Therapy (MFT) approach, providing several recommended therapeutic options according to the patient’s clinical situation. A5 flayer protocol_4 (2)
Download the National Malaria Case Management Protocol – June 2026
What are the main changes in the 2026 protocol?
The updated protocol introduces several important developments in malaria treatment. Among the key changes are:
1. More first-line options for uncomplicated malaria
For uncomplicated malaria, the updated protocol provides several therapeutic options.
Alongside artemisinin-based combination therapies, quinine combined with clindamycin is included among the treatment options for uncomplicated malaria.
The protocol provides detailed guidance for clinicians according to patient weight and clinical circumstances.
2. Injectable quinine among the options for severe malaria
Severe malaria requires urgent treatment and appropriate medical management.
The updated protocol includes injectable artesunate and quinine administered by infusion among the treatment options for severe malaria at referral-level health facilities. It also provides guidance on transitioning patients to oral treatment once they are able to tolerate it.
3. Specific guidance for infants
The updated protocol provides a defined treatment pathway for very young infants.
Quinine drops are specifically indicated for infants weighing up to 5 kg, with weight-based guidance provided in the protocol. A5 flayer protocol_4 (2)
This provides medical teams with clear guidance for a particularly vulnerable patient population.
4. Updated guidance during pregnancy
The protocol also sets out specific treatment pathways for malaria during pregnancy, taking into account the severity of the disease and the stage of pregnancy.
Quinine combined with clindamycin and injectable quinine are included in the treatment pathways for pregnant women, with recommendations depending on the clinical situation and trimester.
Healthcare professionals should consult the official protocol for the detailed recommendations applicable to each individual case.
Why an updated protocol matters
A national treatment protocol provides a common framework for malaria diagnosis and treatment and helps translate updated therapeutic guidance into everyday clinical practice.
The 2026 update reflects an approach in which treatment may vary according to several factors, including whether malaria is uncomplicated or severe, the patient’s age and weight, pregnancy and other clinical considerations.
For the general public, the message remains straightforward: malaria should be properly diagnosed and treated under the guidance of qualified medical professionals. The appropriate treatment depends on the individual patient and clinical situation.
For clinicians, the official PNLP protocol remains the reference document for treatment selection, dosage, duration, contraindications and recommendations for specific patient groups.
The updated protocol represents an important step in ensuring that malaria treatment across the DRC is guided by a clear and current national framework.
Download the National Malaria Case Management Protocol – June 2026
