MSF urges global fund to prioritize north kivu malaria efforts

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) expresses profound concern over potential cuts in future funding, fearing a severe deterioration of the health situation in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). For several years, this region has grappled with a persistent humanitarian crisis and critical supply chain issues, significantly undermining its healthcare infrastructure.

Stéphane Doyon, program manager for MSF France, elaborated on the escalating apprehension. He highlighted that should North Kivu be deprioritized by the Global Fund, the majority of essential treatments, currently supplied by the Global Fund to local health centers not supported by MSF, would cease to arrive. MSF’s capacity is insufficient to replace the Global Fund’s extensive support across an entire province, which would lead to an extremely critical health emergency.

Doyon emphasized that malaria remains the leading cause of patient consultations at MSF-supported health facilities in the area. Our paramount objective, he asserted, is to ensure the complete reinstatement of malaria support for North Kivu. This province stands out as one of the most acutely affected and medically vulnerable regions currently. North Kivu is not only battling malaria but also faces recurrent outbreaks of measles and cholera. The population, deeply scarred by ongoing conflict, is in urgent need of sustained external humanitarian aid.