The GC8 cycle: financial decisions with dire health impacts

The upcoming GC8 funding cycle (2027-2029) from the Global Fund targets malaria, HIV and tuberculosis. Grant applications, which reflect national health priorities, close at the end of July. Currently, North-Kivu—a province grappling with ongoing armed conflict—risks being omitted from malaria prevention and treatment programs. These funds directly determine healthcare access in some of the most vulnerable regions.

« Over recent years, the Global Fund has been a lifeline for North-Kivu residents battling malaria. Without continued support, the situation could spiral into catastrophe. Malaria is preventable and treatable—yet people are still dying from it in 2026. This is unacceptable », warns Stéphane Doyon, head of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) programs in the DRC.

The exclusion comes at a perilous time. The province’s already fragile health system is under strain from the ongoing Ebola outbreak. Compounding the issue, early symptoms of malaria and Ebola overlap, leading to delayed diagnoses, treatment gaps and added pressure on overwhelmed health facilities.

Armed conflict fuels malaria crisis in North-Kivu

« North-Kivu is one of the provinces hardest hit by armed conflict. Repeated population displacements, food insecurity and barriers to healthcare heighten malaria exposure and the risk of severe illness », explains Stéphane Doyon.

Clashes between government-backed armed groups and the M23 rebel alliance force civilians into forests or remote areas—ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes but devoid of health services. Malaria risk soars in such settings.

In 2025, MSF’s teams in Bambo, Kibirizi and Rutshuru health zones reported that malaria accounted for 48% to 58% of all medical consultations in these areas. Key figures include:

• Over 255,000 uncomplicated malaria cases and 26,000 severe cases managed alongside the Ministry of Health and partners.
• 165,560 patients treated in MSF-supported facilities.

Malnutrition: a deadly multiplier in a fragile health landscape

Malnutrition is a growing concern in many MSF-supported clinics. When combined with malaria, it dramatically increases the risk of severe complications and child mortality, particularly among children under five.

Dwindling prevention and treatment supplies

Essential malaria prevention measures have already been scaled back in parts of North-Kivu. Since June 2023, no insecticide-treated bed nets have been distributed in historically supported zones. Between July and December 2025, no antimalarial drugs or rapid diagnostic tests reached the region due to logistical hurdles.

To fill the gaps, MSF has procured medications and tests for local health centers, covering:

• 53% of uncomplicated malaria treatments.
• 35% of severe malaria treatments in Kibirizi, Bambo and Rutshuru, in partnership with the Ministry of Health and others.

A stopgap measure that cannot sustain a province the size of North-Kivu indefinitely.

MSF urges fair funding allocation before critical deadline

With the Global Fund’s grant cycle closing soon, MSF is calling on the organization and DRC authorities to immediately reinstate North-Kivu in the GC8 programming. The appeal also extends to the Ministry of Health, urging equitable distribution of health resources based solely on disease burden and civilian vulnerability.