The Democratic Republic of Congo has identified malaria as a top priority in its 2027 budget, following a surge in cases and deaths in 2025. According to a communiqué, 2.7 million cases were reported in 2025, with the capital city Kinshasa recording 1.5 million cases in the first six months of 2026. The country's Health Minister, Dr. Samuel Roger Kamba, has instructed that no budget cuts be made to malaria control activities.
Dr. Kamba's directive was made during a meeting with a delegation from the Coalition of Parliamentarians Engaged in the Fight Against Malaria in DR Congo (COPEMA-RDC), Impact Santé Afrique (ISA), and other civil society organizations. The meeting aimed to secure funding for the National Program for Malaria Control (PNLP) and ensure its inclusion in the 2027 Finance Law. The PNLP requires funding to continue its operations, particularly in the third quarter of 2026.
The delegation, led by Deputy Dieudonné Mposhi, president of COPEMA-RDC, urged the government to prioritize malaria control and provide adequate resources to combat the disease. The country's malaria response strategy involves four pillars: the Health Promotion Fund (FPS), mandatory health insurance, a Memorandum of Understanding with the US government, and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria.
According to the president of the Kinshasa Provincial Assembly, Levi Mbuta, malaria is the leading cause of hospitalization, morbidity, and death in DR Congo, ranking second in Africa and seventh globally in terms of prevalence. Mbuta has instructed provincial budget officials to prioritize PNLP funding in the 2027 budget and ensure its implementation.
The DR Congo government's commitment to malaria control is critical, given the decline in external funding. The country aims to guarantee its response through domestic resources, including the FPS and mandatory health insurance. The Health Minister has promised to personally oversee the release of funds for PNLP.
The situation in DR Congo is concerning, with 2.7 million cases reported in 2025 and significant morbidity and mortality attributed to malaria. The country's ranking as the second-highest in Africa and seventh globally in terms of malaria prevalence underscores the need for sustained efforts to combat the disease.
DR Congo's efforts to prioritize malaria control in its 2027 budget demonstrate its commitment to addressing the disease. With the support of partners, including the Global Fund and the US government, the country aims to strengthen its response and reduce the burden of malaria on its population.
Key points
- DR Congo has prioritized malaria control in its 2027 budget, following a surge in cases and deaths in 2025.
