Mozambican health authorities say despite a drop in malaria cases in the country, the figures are still alarmingly high.

There have been about six million cases of malaria reported in Mozambique between 1 January and 30 September this year, and more than 800 deaths.

The new figures represent a 17% reduction on last year.

Mozambique Health Ministry’s spokesperson Lidia Chongo Chongo said there is a greater risk of malaria during the rainy season which runs between October and March.