WHO Seeks $1Bn for World’s Worst Health Crises in 2026!

WHO Seeks $1Bn for World’s Worst Health Crises in 2026!

Reported by Mustapha Labake Omowumi | Sele Media Africa Journalist

The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched an urgent US $1 billion funding appeal to respond to the world’s most severe health emergencies in 2026, highlighting crises in regions including Gaza, Sudan, Haiti, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and other fragile settings.
The appeal, announced in Geneva, comes amid mounting pressure on global health systems driven by armed conflict, displacement, disease outbreaks, malnutrition, and collapsing healthcare services. WHO officials estimate that about 239 million people worldwide will require humanitarian health assistance this year, with the funds aimed at sustaining essential services in 36 emergency settings.
Speaking at the launch, WHO Health Emergencies Programme Executive Director, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, warned that “a quarter of a billion people are living through humanitarian crises that strip away the most basic protections — safety, shelter, and access to health care,” noting that access to lifesaving services continues to shrink due to funding shortfalls.
According to the WHO, multiple complex and protracted emergencies are driving unprecedented demand for health services at a time when donor contributions remain constrained. The $1 billion target, which is lower than previous years’ appeals, reflects global funding pressures, with the organization prioritising lifesaving interventions and essential care to maximise impact.
Crises highlighted in the appeal include prolonged conflict and health system breakdowns in Sudan, persistent emergency conditions in Gaza, ongoing disease outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and fragile health environments in Haiti. Health experts warn that without predictable and flexible funding, communities already affected by humanitarian shocks risk further deterioration in health outcomes.
The WHO appeal forms part of a broader international effort to address the growing gap between humanitarian needs and available resources, as global humanitarian funding continues to face significant strain. International agencies are urging governments, donors, and partners to step up support to prevent further loss of life and strengthen health systems in the world’s most vulnerable regions.
CITATIONS:
1.Punch NG https://punchng.com/who-seeks-1bn-for-worlds-worst-health-crises-in-2026/

2.Anadolu Agency https://www.aa.com.tr/en/health/who-seeks-1b-to-tackle-health-crises-in-2026/3818788

3.Yenişafak https://en.yenisafak.com/world/who-seeks-1-billion-for-2026-health-crises-as-funding-cuts-shutter-thousands-of-clinics-3714100

4.Free Malaysia Today https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/world/2026/02/03/who-appeals-for-us1bil-for-worlds-worst-health-crises-in-2026

5.WHO Official Website https://www.who.int/news-room/speeches/item/who-director-general-s-opening-remarks-at-the-launch-of-who-s-2026-health-emergency-appeal—3-february-2026

About The Author

Mustapha Labake Omowumi

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Mustapha Labake Omowumi is a journalist from Ibadan, Oyo State, and a graduate of the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) in Economics and Mathematics. He demonstrates a strong commitment to professional journalism, with a keen interest in writing and storytelling, guided by principles of self-discipline, accuracy, and trustworthiness.

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