WHO Global Health Emergency Appeal 2022 regional summary: South-East Asia region

Overview

Several of the 11 Member States that comprise the WHO South-East Asia Region are low- and middle-income countries, where the government is the leading health service provider and investment in the health sector remains a challenge. The Region is vulnerable to health emergencies caused by natural hazards (e.g. earthquakes, cyclones, and floods), as well as emerging and re-emerging infections and zoonotic diseases (e.g. Zika, Nipah virus and Japanese encephalitis). Moreover, rapid urbanization, aging populations, unplanned development and armed conflict exacerbate this vulnerability. Despite the need to prepare for health emergencies in the Region, investment in health sector preparedness and response continues to be a challenge.