The GC8 cycle: financial decisions with heavy consequences

The GC8 represents the next three-year budget cycle (2027-2029) of the Global Fund dedicated to combating malaria, HIV, and tuberculosis. Grant applications, based on country 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.
These financial allocations directly determine access to healthcare in the most vulnerable regions.

“For years, the Global Fund has been a lifeline for North Kivu residents battling malaria. If funding is cut, the situation will become catastrophic. Malaria is preventable and treatable. In 2026, it is unacceptable for people to continue dying or suffering severe complications from this disease,” warns Stéphane Doyon, MSF’s Head of Programs.

The exclusion of North Kivu comes at a critical time, as the province faces multiple crises. The local healthcare system, already strained, is further stretched by the ongoing Ebola outbreak. The overlapping symptoms of malaria and Ebola complicate diagnoses, delay treatments, and intensify pressure on already overwhelmed health facilities.

Armed conflict and soaring malaria cases

“North Kivu is one of the provinces hardest hit by armed conflict. Repeated population displacements, food insecurity, and restricted access to healthcare increase malaria exposure and the risk of severe illness,” explains Stéphane Doyon.

Clashes between government-backed armed groups and the M23 coalition force civilians to flee to forested or isolated areas—environments ripe for mosquito breeding and lacking healthcare infrastructure. The risk of malaria transmission in these zones is alarmingly high.

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

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

Malnutrition: a deadly combination

Malnutrition remains a growing concern in many MSF-supported health centers. When combined with malaria, it dramatically increases the risk of severe complications and death, particularly among children under five.

Critical shortages in malaria prevention and treatment

Essential malaria prevention measures have already been scaled back in some areas. In regions historically covered by the Global Fund, no long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) have been distributed since June 2023. Due to logistical challenges, no treatments or rapid diagnostic tests reached North Kivu between July and December 2025.

Facing these shortages, MSF procured medications and tests to fill gaps in multiple health centers. Our teams provided:

• 53% of treatments for uncomplicated malaria;
• 35% of treatments for severe malaria in Kibirizi, Bambo, and Rutshuru, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and other partners.

A situation that is unsustainable in the long term for a province as vast as North Kivu.

MSF’s urgent call for fair funding allocation

With the grant application deadline looming, MSF is urging the Global Fund and DRC authorities to immediately reinstate North Kivu in the GC8 programming. We also call on the Congolese Ministry of Health to ensure equitable resource allocation, prioritizing regions based solely on disease burden and civilian vulnerability.