In response to this situation, the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued an appeal to raise $1.5 billion to provide life-saving health assistance around the world through its Health Emergencies Appeal for 2025.
WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus issued the appeal on Thursday, which outlines the immediate priorities for addressing the 42 current health emergencies.
17 of these emphasized the need for immediate and coordinated action to deal with emergencies.
“Conflicts and wars, outbreaks, climate-related disasters and other emergencies are no longer isolated or sporadic events – they are continuous, interconnected and intensifying,” said Dr Tedros.
He said, “This appeal is not just about providing resources; it is about helping WHO save lives, protect the right to health and provide hope where there is often no hope.”
A world in crisis
The appeal comes at a time when the WHO has recorded an unprecedented scale of attacks on health service infrastructure.
In 2024 alone, there were 1,515 attacks on health facilities in 15 countries, resulting in hundreds of deaths and severe disruption of critical services.
WHO’s response extends to some of the world’s most fragile regions, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Israeli-occupied Palestinian Territory, Sudan and Ukraine.
WHO provides emergency medical services in the area, supports immunization campaigns to prevent disease outbreaks, provides mental health services for trauma-affected communities, and helps address malnutrition and maternal health needs.
WHO has set up temporary clinics in Ukraine at the site of destroyed health facilities to ensure continuity of care for the displaced population.
In Gaza, despite significant logistical and security challenges, more than 1 million polio vaccinations were administered in 2024, preventing a catastrophic outbreak among children.
Building stamina
The head of the UN health agency said the world body, beyond immediate relief, is focused on “building a legacy of preparedness for communities to protect themselves, prioritize equity and respond to disease.”
He said WHO seeks to build a strong foundation for global health security by breaking the cycle of barriers to access and addressing the root causes of health crises and ensuring access to health care in even the most challenging environments.
Supporting health emergency appeals is not just about addressing the immediate crisis, but also about protecting the future of global health.
Health and survival
Dr Tedros transformed the appeal into a call for global solidarity, urging donors to take decisive action.
In 2024, funding earmarked for the health sector in humanitarian response operations met only 40 percent of identified needs, making it difficult to determine where and to whom aid could be distributed.
Without immediate financial support, millions of people will be at risk and the world’s most vulnerable populations will suffer the most from the deficit.
This petition is an investment in the shared principles of equality, tolerance and health as a fundamental human right.
With the funds raised, WHO aims to ensure that no one is left behind, from providing critical health care in war and conflict zones to addressing the health impacts of climate disasters.