Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) expresses profound concern over potential future funding reductions, fearing a severe deterioration of the health situation in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This region has already grappled with a prolonged humanitarian crisis and significant supply chain challenges, which have profoundly impacted its fragile healthcare system for several years.

Stéphane Doyon, program manager for MSF France, elaborates on the reasons behind this apprehension.

“Our worry stems from the fact that if North Kivu is removed from the Global Fund’s project scope, most malaria treatments currently reaching health centers – those not supplied by Médecins Sans Frontières but originating from the Global Fund – would simply cease to arrive. MSF cannot realistically substitute for the Global Fund across an entire province. Such a scenario would render the situation extremely critical,” Doyon emphasizes.

Doyon further highlights, “Malaria remains the primary cause for consultations observed in our health facilities. Our absolute priority is to ensure the reintegration of crucial malaria support for North Kivu, a province that is profoundly affected and currently stands as one of the most critical health zones. In North Kivu, we are witnessing ongoing epidemics of measles and cholera. The population has been severely devastated by conflict and is in urgent need of sustained external assistance.”