the gc8 cycle: financial decisions with heavy consequences

The GC8 represents the next three-year budget cycle (2027-2029) of the Global Fund, targeting malaria, HIV, and tuberculosis. Grant applications, shaped by national priorities, close at the end of July. Currently, North Kivu—a province grappling with armed conflict—may no longer be included in malaria prevention and treatment programs.

« For years, the Global Fund has been a lifeline for North Kivu residents battling malaria. Without its support for prevention and care, the situation could turn catastrophic. Malaria is preventable and treatable. In 2026, no one should still be dying from it or suffering severe complications, » warns Stéphane Doyon, Head of MSF’s Malaria Unit.

The exclusion comes at a dire moment. The province’s already fragile health system faces an ongoing Ebola outbreak, and overlapping symptoms between malaria and Ebola could overwhelm clinics, delay diagnoses, and strain resources even further.

armed conflict and soaring malaria cases

« North Kivu is one of the provinces hardest hit by armed conflict. Repeated population displacements, food insecurity, and limited access to healthcare expose people to higher malaria risks and severe outcomes, » explains Stéphane Doyon.

Clashes between government-backed armed groups and the AFC/M23 force civilians into forests or remote areas—ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes and devoid of medical facilities. The result? Skyrocketing malaria exposure.

In 2025, malaria accounted for 48% to 58% of medical consultations in MSF-supported zones like Bambo, Kibirizi, and Rutshuru. In these areas alone:

• Over 255,000 uncomplicated and 26,000 severe malaria cases were treated by MSF, the Ministry of Health, and partners.
• 165,560 patients received care in facilities supported by MSF.

malnutrition: a deadly combination

Malnutrition exacerbates malaria’s impact, particularly among children under five. When combined, these conditions drastically increase the risk of severe complications and death.

critical shortages in malaria prevention and care

Essential malaria prevention measures have already been scaled back. In historically funded zones, no distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets has occurred since June 2023. Between July and December 2025, no antimalarial drugs or rapid diagnostic tests reached North Kivu due to logistical hurdles.

Facing these shortages, MSF stepped in, procuring medications and tests to sustain clinics. Our teams delivered:

• 53% of treatments for uncomplicated malaria;
• 35% of treatments for severe malaria in Kibirizi, Bambo, and Rutshuru.

A stopgap measure that cannot be sustained long-term in a province as vast and crisis-stricken as North Kivu.

msf’s urgent call for fair funding allocation

With the GC8 grant cycle closing soon, MSF urges the Global Fund and DR Congo authorities to reinstate North Kivu in malaria programming. We also call on the Ministry of Health to prioritize funding based on disease burden and civilian vulnerability, ensuring no community is left behind in the fight against this preventable disease.