Jumoke Olasunkanmi
The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched an appeal for US$ 1.5 billion to protect the health of the most vulnerable populations in 41 emergencies around the globe in 2024.
This appeal aims to reach over 87 million people in the context of complex emergencies, including conflicts, climate change, and economic instability, which continue to fuel displacement, hunger, and inequality.
Speaking at the launch event, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the critical importance of healthcare services in emergencies, stating, “For those facing emergencies, disruptions to essential health services often mean the difference between life and death.”
He highlighted the impact of healthcare in various scenarios, from aiding mothers giving birth during conflict to providing cancer treatment and dialysis.
The funding will support life-saving health care, distribution of critical health supplies and equipment, and maintenance of essential health services to ensure continuous care. “Shockingly, one child in every five globally either lived in, or fled from, a conflict zone in 2023.”
It will also enable direct access to health care for communities in hard-to-reach areas, in partnerships with local organizations, and effective response to monitor, share information, and document outbreaks and attacks on health workers.
The appeal notes the positive value of funding to support people with humanitarian needs, highlighting that every US$ 1 invested in WHO delivers a return on investment of at least US$ 35.
The funding will be allocated to various regions, including the African Region, Eastern Mediterranean Region, European Region, Western Pacific Region, South-East Asia Region, and the Americas Region.
Dr. Tedros expressed gratitude for the support received in 2023 and emphasized the importance of international solidarity and support in addressing global health emergencies.
He stated, “With the support of donors, we will save lives, meet critical health needs for the most vulnerable, and help communities emerge from crises with a greater ability to tackle future health threats.”
