GC8 Cycle: financial decisions with life-or-death implications

The GC8 cycle represents the upcoming three-year budget period (2027-2029) for the Global Fund targeting malaria, HIV and tuberculosis. Grant applications, based on country priorities, close at the end of July. Currently, North Kivu—despite being a conflict zone—may no longer be included in malaria prevention and treatment programs. These financial allocations directly determine healthcare access in the most vulnerable regions.

« The Global Fund has been a lifeline for North Kivu residents facing malaria in recent years. If funding is withdrawn, the situation will become catastrophic. Malaria is preventable and treatable. In 2026, it is unacceptable for people to continue dying or suffering severe complications », warns Stéphane Doyon of MSF.

The exclusion of North Kivu comes at a time when the province is grappling with multiple crises. The already fragile local health system faces an ongoing Ebola outbreak, and the overlapping symptoms of malaria and Ebola complicate diagnoses, delay treatment and strain already overburdened health facilities.

Armed conflict and surging malaria cases

« North Kivu is one of the provinces hardest hit by armed conflict. Repeated population displacements, food insecurity and restricted healthcare access significantly increase malaria exposure and severe disease risk », explains Stéphane Doyon, MSF Program Manager. The clashes between government-backed armed groups and the M23 force civilians to flee to remote, forested areas ideal for mosquito breeding but devoid of healthcare infrastructure. Malaria risk in these areas is critically high.

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

• Over 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 multiplier in a fragile health landscape

Malnutrition remains widespread in many MSF-supported health centers. Combined with malaria, it drastically increases the risk of severe complications and death, especially among children under five.

Supply shortages and collapsing malaria prevention

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

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

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

Such a situation is unsustainable in a province as vast and crisis-affected as North Kivu.

MSF’s urgent call for equitable funding

With the GC8 grant cycle deadline looming, MSF is urging the Global Fund and Kinshasa authorities to immediately reinstate North Kivu in malaria programming. Teams are also calling on the Congolese Ministry of Health to ensure resources are allocated based solely on disease burden and civilian vulnerability.