Unprecedented challenges such as conflict, climate change, epidemics, and displacement are converging to create a severe global health crisis, leaving 305 million people in dire need of humanitarian assistance in 2025. To address these challenges, the World Health Organization (WHO) has launched its 2025 Health Emergency Appeal (HEA), seeking US$ 1.5 billion to support life-saving health interventions worldwide.
WHO’s Call for Urgent Action
The appeal, introduced by WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, outlines critical priorities and resources required to tackle 42 ongoing health emergencies, including 17 classified as Grade 3 crises—the most severe level of emergency response. These crises are pushing health systems to their limits while global financial resources are rapidly depleting. The requested funding is essential to support populations enduring the most challenging circumstances.
“Conflicts, outbreaks, climate-related disasters, and other health emergencies are no longer isolated or occasional – they are relentless, overlapping, and intensifying,” said Dr. Tedros. “From controlling cholera outbreaks to providing mental health support in conflict zones, WHO’s work extends beyond immediate care. We empower communities, prioritize equity, and build a legacy of preparedness. This appeal enables WHO to save lives, protect health rights, and provide hope where there is none.”
Prioritizing Vulnerable Populations
WHO’s response prioritizes delivering emergency health assistance in the most critical areas, including conflict zones such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the occupied Palestinian territory, and Sudan. These efforts are coordinated with broader humanitarian operations and focus on:
- Providing Essential Care and Supplies: WHO ensures access to medical supplies, treatments for malnutrition, and maternal and child health services.
- Preventing Disease Outbreaks: Vaccination campaigns are conducted to curb diseases like cholera, measles, and polio.
- Mental Health Support: Populations impacted by trauma receive psychosocial care, addressing the often-overlooked mental health crisis in emergencies.
- Addressing Malnutrition: Malnourished populations, especially children, are provided with therapeutic feeding programs and nutritional support.
Four Key Challenges Amplifying Crises
The WHO appeal underscores four primary challenges exacerbating health emergencies worldwide:
- Climate Change: Increasingly severe weather events, such as floods and droughts, disrupt lives and strain health systems.
- Conflict: Armed conflicts continue to displace millions, creating environments with limited access to healthcare and humanitarian aid.
- Displacement: Displaced populations face overcrowded living conditions, poor sanitation, and limited healthcare services, making them highly vulnerable to disease outbreaks.
- Disease Outbreaks: Epidemics such as cholera, measles, and Ebola remain a persistent threat, further endangering already vulnerable populations.
Financial Needs and Response Plans
The appeal highlights specific financial requirements and action plans for each of the Grade 3 emergencies. These emergencies demand a well-coordinated global response to deliver essential services to those most in need. By securing the necessary funding, WHO can provide comprehensive support, ranging from emergency medical care to long-term health system strengthening in affected regions.
Upholding International Humanitarian Law
In fulfilling its role, WHO adheres to the principles of international humanitarian law, ensuring equitable access to healthcare and that no one is left behind, even in the most challenging and dangerous circumstances. Collaboration with donors, partners, and other humanitarian organizations is central to WHO’s strategy, maximizing the impact of its interventions and fostering global solidarity.
A Call to Action for Global Solidarity
Dr. Tedros emphasized that the 2025 Health Emergency Appeal is more than a request for funding; it is a call to action. “As crises grow more frequent and severe, the gap between global needs and available resources continues to widen. Supporting WHO’s Health Emergency Appeal is an investment in global solidarity and health equity,” he stated.
WHO’s appeal is an urgent reminder that health emergencies are a shared global challenge requiring collective action. By addressing the root causes and immediate impacts of these crises, the organization aims to not only save lives but also strengthen communities’ resilience against future emergencies.
Impact Beyond Immediate Assistance
Beyond providing emergency healthcare, WHO’s efforts focus on empowering communities with the tools and knowledge needed to protect themselves. This includes training healthcare workers, improving disease surveillance systems, and ensuring equitable access to vaccines and treatments. These initiatives aim to leave a lasting impact, building stronger health systems and fostering a culture of preparedness worldwide.
The Role of Donors and Partners
Donors and international partners play a critical role in enabling WHO to carry out its mission. Their support ensures that essential health services reach those most in need, even in the most remote and underserved areas. WHO’s work is a testament to the power of collaboration in addressing global challenges.
Read more: WHO Launches $1.5B Health Emergency Appeal
