In response, the World Health Organization (WHO) calls for 1.5 billion dollars through its 2025 Health Emergency Appeal, to deliver life-saving health interventions around the world.
The call, launched Thursday by WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, outlines urgent priorities to address 42 health emergencies in progress, 17 of them require immediate and coordinated action.
“Conflicts, outbreaks, climate-related disasters and other emergencies are no longer isolated or occasional: they are relentless, overlapping and intensifyingTedros said.
“This appeal is not just about providing resources; it’s about enabling WHO to save livesprotect the right to health and offer hope where there is often none,” he added.
A world in crisis
The call comes at a time when the WHO has recorded unprecedented levels of attacks on healthcare infrastructure.
In 2024 alone, there were 1,515 attacks on healthcare facilities in 15 countriescausing hundreds of deaths and seriously disrupting critical services.
WHO’s response extends to some of the world’s most fragile environments, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Sudan and Ukraine.
In these regions, WHO provides emergency medical care, supports vaccination campaigns to prevent disease outbreaks, offers mental health services to communities affected by trauma, and addresses malnutrition and maternal health needs.
In Ukraine, WHO has set up modular clinics to replace destroyed health facilities, ensuring displaced populations continue to receive essential care.
In Gaza, In 2024, more than one million polio vaccines were administered. despite significant logistical and safety challenges, avoiding a catastrophic outbreak among children.
Building resilience
Beyond immediate relief, the organization is focused on empowering “communities to protect themselves, prioritize equity, and build a legacy of preparedness,” Tedros explained.
By addressing root causes and ensuring access to health care even in the most difficult settings, WHO seeks break the cycle of vulnerability and build a stronger foundation for global health security.
Supporting the Health Emergency Appeal is not just about addressing immediate crises but also about safeguarding the future of global health.
Protect health, save lives
Tedros framed the appeal as a call for global solidarity, urging donors to act decisively.
In 2024, financing for the health sector in humanitarian responses It met only 40 percent of identified needs.forcing difficult decisions to be made about who could be reached.
Without immediate financial support, millions of people will remain at risk and the world’s most vulnerable populations will be hardest hit by this shortfall.
The Call is an investment in equity, resilience and the shared principle that health is a fundamental human right.
With the funds raised, WHO aims to continue its vital work on the frontline, from providing critical care in conflict zones to addressing the health impacts of climate disasters, ensuring that no one is left behind.
