Geneva – The World Health Organization (WHO) today issued a critical appeal for nearly $1 billion to address escalating health needs in humanitarian crises and conflict zones worldwide. The 2026 appeal aims to provide essential healthcare to millions facing displacement, disaster, and violence, as global humanitarian funding faces significant constraints.
Driven by protracted conflicts, the intensifying impacts of climate change, and recurring infectious disease outbreaks, the demand for emergency health support is surging. But, funding has not kept pace, leaving a substantial gap in the ability to reach those most in need. In 2025, humanitarian funding fell below 2016 levels, limiting WHO and its partners to assisting only one-third of the 81 million people originally targeted for health assistance, according to the WHO.
“This appeal is a call to stand with people living through conflict, displacement and disaster – to give them not just services, but the confidence that the world has not turned its back on them,” stated Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. He emphasized that providing healthcare isn’t simply charity, but a “strategic investment in health and security” that restores dignity, stabilizes communities, and paves the way for recovery.
Reaching Millions in 2025: A Look at WHO’s Impact
In 2025, the WHO and its partners provided support to 30 million people through its annual emergency appeal. This included delivering life-saving vaccinations to 5.3 million children, facilitating 53 million health consultations, and supporting over 8,000 health facilities. The organization also deployed 1,370 mobile clinics to reach vulnerable populations in remote and conflict-affected areas. This work underscores the critical role the WHO plays in maintaining a baseline of healthcare access during times of crisis.
Prioritizing Urgent Needs in 2026
The 2026 appeal will focus on responding to 36 emergencies globally, including 14 categorized as “Grade 3” emergencies – those requiring the highest level of organizational response. Priority areas include Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, Myanmar, the occupied Palestinian territory, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, the Syrian Arab Republic, Ukraine, and Yemen. Ongoing outbreaks of cholera and mpox are also key concerns. The WHO coordinates with more than 1,500 partners across 24 crisis settings, ensuring that national authorities and local organizations lead the emergency response efforts.
Ambassador Noel White, Permanent Representative of Ireland to the United Nations Office in Geneva, highlighted the interconnectedness of humanitarian crises and health, stating, “Every humanitarian crisis is a health crisis.” Ireland is providing support to the WHO emergency response through flexible funding of the Contingency Fund for Emergencies. Similarly, Ms. Marita Sørheim-Rensvik, Deputy Permanent Representative of Norway to the United Nations Office at Geneva, emphasized the WHO’s “indispensable” role in protecting health and upholding international humanitarian law, particularly in providing access to sexual and reproductive health services and supporting frontline health workers.
The WHO’s emergency response actions encompass a wide range of interventions, including maintaining operational health facilities, delivering essential medical supplies and trauma care, preventing and responding to disease outbreaks, restoring routine immunization programs, and ensuring access to maternal and child health services in fragile settings. Early and predictable investment is crucial for enabling a swift and effective response, reducing mortality and disease, and preventing health risks from escalating into larger crises.
While resource constraints have forced difficult prioritization decisions, the WHO maintains that the remaining activities represent the most impactful interventions. With sufficient funding, the organization can sustain life-saving care in the world’s most severe emergencies and contribute to building lasting peace.
Disclaimer: This article provides informational content about public health and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider for any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
The success of the 2026 appeal will depend on renewed global solidarity and commitment. As the world faces increasingly complex and interconnected crises, sustained investment in health emergency preparedness and response is essential. The coming months will be critical in determining whether the WHO can secure the necessary resources to meet the urgent health needs of millions around the globe.
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