In response, the World Health Organization (WHO) calls for $1.5 billion through its 2025 Health Emergency Appeal, to carry out life-saving health interventions around the world.
The appeal, unveiled Thursday by WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, presents urgent priorities to respond 42 health emergencies in progress, 17 of which require immediate and coordinated action.
“Conflicts, epidemics, climate-related disasters and other emergencies are no longer isolated or occasional: they are relentless, overlapping and intensifying” said Tedros.
“This call 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
This call comes at a time when the WHO has recorded unprecedented levels of attacks on health care infrastructure.
In 2024 alone, there was 1,515 attacks against health facilities in 15 countriesleading to hundreds of deaths and seriously disrupting essential services.
WHO’s response extends to some of the world’s most fragile countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, the occupied Palestinian territory, Sudan and Ukraine.
In these regions, WHO provides emergency medical care, supports vaccination campaigns to prevent epidemics, offers mental health services to trauma-affected communities, and addresses malnutrition and maternal health needs.
In Ukraine, WHO installed modular clinics to replace destroyed health facilities, ensuring that displaced populations continue to receive essential care.
In Gaza, more than 1 million polio vaccines administered in 2024 despite significant logistical and security challenges, it helped avert a catastrophic epidemic among children.
Building resilience
Beyond immediate relief, the organization works to empower “communities to protect themselves, prioritize equity, and build a legacy of preparedness,” Tedros said.
By addressing root causes and ensuring access to health care even in the most challenging environments, WHO seeks to break the cycle of vulnerability and build a stronger foundation for global health security.
Supporting the health emergency appeal is not only about responding to 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 the health sector in humanitarian responses met only 40 percent of identified needsforcing difficult decisions about who could be contacted.
Without immediate financial support, millions of people will remain at risk and the world’s most vulnerable populations will bear the brunt of this shortfall.
The Appeal 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 front lines, from providing intensive care in conflict zones to tackling the health impacts of climate disasters, ensuring that no one is left behind.