GENEVA — The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched its 2025 Health Emergency Appeal, seeking $1.5 billion to address an unprecedented global health crisis fueled by the convergence of conflict, climate change, epidemics, and displacement. With 305 million people projected to require urgent humanitarian assistance in 2025, the appeal aims to fund critical, life-saving health interventions worldwide.
The U.N. health agency estimated that health crises would leave 305 million people in need of urgent humanitarian assistance this year.
WHO is seeking $1.5 billion to support our lifesaving work for the emergencies we know about and to react swiftly to new crises.Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Chief
The agency's emergency request, which was for the same amount as last year's request, outlined the critical priorities and resources needed to address 42 ongoing health emergencies.
"Conflicts, outbreaks, climate-related disasters and other health emergencies are no longer isolated or occasional — they are relentless, overlapping and intensifying," Tedros said in a statement.
The Geneva-based organisation works in conflict-ridden countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Palestinian territories and Sudan.
There are numerous urgent needs: from vaccinations to malnutrition and mental health. Climate change, conflict, displacement and epidemics are the four main challenges which expose the most vulnerable populations to a deterioration in their situation, says WHO.
Without adequate and sustainable funding, we face the impossible task of deciding who will receive care and who will not this year.Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Chief
With the support of donors and partners, WHO aims to fulfill its unique role in health emergencies, while upholding the principles of international humanitarian law, ensuring that no one is left behind even in the most challenging circumstances.
"Your support helps to ensure that WHO remains a lifeline, bridging the gap between sickness and health, despair and hope, life and death for millions of people worldwide."
There are numerous urgent needs: from vaccinations to malnutrition and mental health. Climate change, conflict, displacement and epidemics are the four main challenges which expose the most vulnerable populations to a deterioration in their situation, says WHO.
This appeal is about more than just 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 a vital investment in global solidarity and health equity.
(VOA/SPB)