The World Health Organisation (WHO) has initiated a call for funding, seeking US$ 1.5 billion to safeguard the health of vulnerable populations in 41 global emergencies throughout 2024.
This appeal targets crises demanding the highest response levels from WHO, with the ambitious goal of reaching over 87 million individuals. The emergencies span complex issues, including conflicts, climate change, and economic instability, resulting in displacement, hunger, and inequality.
WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, emphasised the critical role of health care in emergencies, stating, “For those facing emergencies, disruptions to essential health services often mean the difference between life and death.”
He highlighted scenarios such as childbirth during conflicts, aid for children in drought-affected areas, and ongoing treatments like cancer care or dialysis.
The 2024 support will facilitate life-saving health care, the distribution of crucial health supplies and equipment, and the maintenance of essential health services. This comprehensive approach aims to ensure continuous care for affected populations. The funding will also enable direct access to health care in hard-to-reach areas through partnerships with local organisations, effective monitoring and response to outbreaks, and fortification of existing health-care systems against future threats.
The appeal underscores the positive impact of funding on humanitarian efforts, revealing that every US$ 1 invested in WHO yields a return on investment of at least US$ 35.
Geographically, the funding distribution is outlined as follows:
- African Region: US$ 334 million
- Eastern Mediterranean Region: US$ 705 million
- European Region: US$ 183 million
- Western Pacific Region: US$ 15.2 million
- South-East Asia Region: US$ 49 million
- Americas Region: US$ 131 million Tedros expressed gratitude for the support received in 2023, which aided millions of people. As the world enters 2024, he stressed the heightened need for international solidarity and support to address health emergencies effectively.