The GC8 cycle: a financial decision with devastating consequences

The GC8 cycle represents the next three-year budget period (2027-2029) of the Global Fund dedicated to combating malaria, HIV and tuberculosis. Grant applications, based on national priorities, close at the end of July. Current projections indicate that North-Kivu—a province grappling with armed conflict—may no longer be included among the selected regions for malaria control.
These financial allocations directly determine access to healthcare in the most vulnerable areas.

« For years, the Global Fund has been a lifeline for North-Kivu residents facing malaria. Should funding cease for prevention and treatment, the consequences would be catastrophic. Malaria is a preventable and treatable disease. In 2026, it is unacceptable for people to continue dying from—or suffering severe forms of—this illness, » warns Stéphane Doyon.

The exclusion of North-Kivu comes at a critical time, as the province faces multiple health crises. The already fragile local health system could be overwhelmed by the ongoing Ebola outbreak. Compounding the issue, early symptoms of malaria and Ebola often overlap, complicating diagnoses, delaying treatments and straining already overburdened healthcare 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 barriers to healthcare access heighten malaria exposure and increase the risk of severe illness, » explains Stéphane Doyon, Head of MSF’s programs.

Clashes between government-aligned armed groups and the M23/AFM have forced civilians into forests or remote areas—ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes and devoid of medical infrastructure. The risk of malaria transmission in these zones is alarmingly high.

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

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

Malnutrition: a ticking time bomb in a dire health landscape

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

Critical shortages and shrinking malaria prevention efforts

Essential malaria prevention measures have already been scaled back in some areas. In regions historically supported by the Global Fund, no distribution of insecticide-treated nets has occurred since June 2023. Due to logistical hurdles, no treatments or rapid diagnostic tests reached North-Kivu between July and December 2025.

Facing persistent shortages, MSF has had to procure medications and tests to fill gaps in multiple health centers. Our teams have provided:

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

Such a response is unsustainable long-term for a province the size of North-Kivu.

MSF’s urgent call for fair fund allocation

With the grant cycle deadline looming, MSF is urging the Global Fund and Kinshasa authorities to immediately reinstate North-Kivu in the GC8 programming. The organization also calls on the Congolese Ministry of Health to ensure equitable distribution of health resources, prioritizing areas based solely on disease burden and civilian vulnerability.