The cost of inaction is one the world cannot afford. Without immediate health support, communities will face worsening outcomes, putting more lives at risk and deepening the human toll of these crises. WHO has proven the power of collective action, saving millions of lives in health emergencies. But the challenges we face are growing, and so must our response. WHO needs US$ 1.5 billion to provide life-saving interventions, ensuring the world’s most vulnerable populations have access to the care they both need and deserve.
2025 appeals
WHO / Farah Ramadan
WHO Syria celebrating World Health Day 2024.
WHO Syria celebrating World Health Day 2024.
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Credits
Now is the moment for action
Responding to health needs in humanitarian emergencies
Afghanistan
Decades of war and internal conflict have left Afghanistan’s health system fragmented and severely under-resourced. Over 14.3 million people need urgent health assistance in 2025 due to displacement, disease outbreaks, and refugee returns. WHO is working to restore essential health services for millions of vulnerable people.
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Acute humanitarian crises plague the Democratic Republic of the Congo, driven by conflicts, natural disasters, epidemics like cholera and Mpox, and food insecurity. In 2025, 12.9 million people will need health assistance. WHO is delivering emergency care while strengthening epidemic response systems.
Ethiopia
Ethiopia faces a complex humanitarian crisis due to conflict, climate shocks, and disease outbreaks. Severe health needs persist as WHO tackles multiple emergencies, including worsening malnutrition, maternal health gaps, and infectious disease surges. WHO is scaling up lifesaving interventions in the hardest-hit regions.
Haiti
Two in five Haitians urgently need medical care. Gang violence, institutional collapse, and displacement intensify the humanitarian crisis, leaving 4.2 million people needing health support in 2025. WHO is supporting health workers and clinics to provide care in areas most affected by violence.
Lebanon
Lebanon’s health sector is overwhelmed by crises, with 3.7 million people in need, including Lebanese nationals, Syrian refugees, Palestinian refugees, and migrants. In Lebanon, WHO is stabilizing trauma care, ensuring continuity of essential services, and reinforcing public health surveillance to protect Lebanon’s vulnerable populations.
Myanmar
Conflict, climate-related disasters, and vulnerability to disease outbreaks have devastated Myanmar’s health sector. In 2025, 12.9 million people will require urgent health assistance due to cholera outbreaks, displacement, and economic collapse. WHO is delivering critical resources to sustain the overstretched health system.
Occupied Palestinian territory
The continuation of hostilities in the occupied Palestinian territory has placed the health care system of the Gaza Strip under immense strain. Over 3 million Palestinians have been affected by conflict, been displaced from their homes, and face a lack of critical health care services and worsening food insecurity
Somalia
Somalia’s conflict, drought, and disease outbreaks contribute to excess mortality and morbidity. Six million people need humanitarian assistance. Somalia also faces one of the world’s highest maternal mortality rates. WHO is prioritizing maternal care and emergency health services to save lives.
South Sudan
South Sudan’s health sector is overwhelmed by measles, malaria, and climate-induced restrictions. An estimated 5.7 million people need health assistance amid security issues and logistical hurdles in 2025. WHO is coordinating with partners to deliver health care in the most remote areas.
Sudan and Sudan refugee response
With 30.4 million people needing support, Sudan faces a health crisis worsened by conflict, displacement, and nonoperational facilities. Refugee movements strain neighbouring countries’ fragile health systems. WHO is providing cross-border support to manage the regional health impact.
Syrian Arab Republic
Years of conflict and socioeconomic decline have weakened Syria’s health system, with 16.7 million people requiring humanitarian assistance in 2025. WHO is restoring disrupted health services and ensuring access to critical care for displaced populations.
Ukraine
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has devastated the country’s health system, with more than 12.7 million people in need of humanitarian assistance. WHO will continue to provide critical health assistance to people in need and support the health system.
Yemen
Yemen’s 19.5 million people urgently require humanitarian aid. Conflicts, disasters, and vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks devastate health systems, raising risks of mass casualties. WHO is working to rebuild Yemen’s health infrastructure and deliver lifesaving care.
Cholera
Cholera has resurged globally, with 751 400 cases and over 5200 deaths reported across 33 countries in 2024. Conflict, displacement, and climate-related disasters exacerbate risks, leaving an estimated 1 billion people vulnerable. Urgent investments in water, sanitation, and health systems are critical.
Mpox
Declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern in August 2024, Mpox has spread to 80 countries. By November 2024, 14 African nations had active outbreaks, with children under 15 making up 38% of cases. WHO is combating the spread with prevention, treatment, and community-led initiatives.