WHO Launches $1 Billion Appeal for Global Health Emergencies in 2026

The World Health Organization (WHO) launched its 2026 global appeal today, February 4, 2026, to ensure access to healthcare for millions affected by humanitarian crises and conflicts. The appeal comes as global pressures – including ongoing conflicts, climate change, and disease outbreaks – increase the demand for emergency health support while funding decreases.

A Critical Need for Global Health Support

The 2026 appeal aims to raise nearly US$ 1 billion to address 36 emergencies worldwide. Fourteen of these are designated as “Grade 3” emergencies, requiring the highest level of organizational response from the WHO. This funding is intended to deliver essential care to those living through conflict, displacement, and disaster.

Did You Know? In 2025, WHO and partners were able to reach only one-third of the 81 million people originally targeted for humanitarian health assistance due to funding shortfalls.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, emphasized that this appeal is “not charity,” but rather “a strategic investment in health and security.” He stated that access to healthcare restores dignity, stabilizes communities, and offers a pathway toward recovery.

Focus Areas for 2026

WHO’s priority emergency response areas for 2026 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. The organization will also focus on responding to outbreaks of cholera and mpox.

The WHO coordinates with more than 1500 partners across 24 crisis settings globally, ensuring that national authorities and local partners lead the emergency response efforts. Actions include keeping health facilities operational, delivering medical supplies, preventing and responding to outbreaks, restoring immunization programmes, and ensuring access to sexual and reproductive health services.

Expert Insight: The convergence of protracted conflicts, climate change impacts, and infectious disease outbreaks creates a complex and escalating demand for humanitarian health assistance. The decrease in global funding, as seen in 2025, significantly limits the WHO’s ability to meet these growing needs, potentially leading to preventable suffering and instability.

Ambassador Noel White of Ireland and Ms. Marita Sørheim-Rensvik of Norway both voiced support for the WHO’s emergency response efforts, highlighting the importance of flexible and predictable funding.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of health services will be provided?

WHO and partners’ emergency response actions include keeping essential health facilities operational, delivering emergency medical supplies and trauma care, preventing and responding to outbreaks, restoring routine immunization, and ensuring access to sexual and reproductive, maternal and child health services.

How many emergencies is the WHO responding to in 2026?

The 2026 appeal seeks to respond to 36 emergencies worldwide, including 14 Grade 3 emergencies.

What was the outcome of the 2025 appeal?

In 2025, WHO and partners supported 30 million people through its annual emergency appeal, delivering life-saving vaccination to 5.3 million children and enabling 53 million health consultations.

As humanitarian needs continue to rise, the success of the 2026 appeal could determine the extent to which the WHO can provide life-saving care and build towards lasting peace in some of the world’s most vulnerable regions.