Msf urges global fund to prioritize north kivu amid looming health crisis in drc

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is sounding the alarm regarding potential cuts in funding, expressing deep concern that the health situation in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo, could deteriorate further. This region has for years been grappling with a severe humanitarian crisis and persistent supply chain challenges, significantly undermining its already fragile public health system.

Stéphane Doyon, program manager for MSF France, elaborated on the gravity of these concerns, stating: “Our apprehension stems from the fact that if North Kivu is withdrawn from the Global Fund’s project, the majority of treatments currently received by health centers – those not supplied by Médecins Sans Frontières but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, which would render the situation extremely critical.”

Doyon further emphasized the urgent need for continued support: “Malaria remains the leading cause of consultations in our health facilities. Our paramount priority is to ensure the reintegration of malaria support for North Kivu, a province profoundly impacted and currently one of the most critical health zones. We observe recurring epidemics of measles and cholera in North Kivu. The population has been extensively traumatized by conflict and is in dire need of external assistance.”