The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched its 2026 global health emergency appeal, calling for nearly $1 billion to support millions of people affected by humanitarian crises and armed conflicts worldwide.

The funding request is aimed at enabling WHO and its partners to respond to 36 health emergencies across the globe, including 14 Grade 3 crises that require the highest level of organisational response. These emergencies range from sudden disasters to long-running conflicts where access to essential health services remains severely limited.

WHO warned that mounting pressures such as prolonged conflicts, climate-related shocks and recurring disease outbreaks are driving unprecedented demand for emergency health assistance at a time when humanitarian funding is shrinking.

According to the organisation, global humanitarian financing in 2025 dropped to its lowest level since 2016. As a result, WHO and its partners were able to reach only about one-third of the 81 million people initially targeted for humanitarian health support.

WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, described the appeal as more than a funding request, stressing that it represents a critical investment in global health security and stability.

He warned that without urgent and sustained support, millions of vulnerable people risk being left without life-saving health care in some of the world’s most fragile settings.

Source: AllAfrica