The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for $1.5 billion in funding for 2024 to deliver crucial aid to tens of millions facing health emergencies worldwide. WHO Chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the urgent need to assist nearly 300 million people requiring humanitarian aid and protection this year. Out of this, an estimated 166 million individuals are expected to require life-saving health assistance. The WHO aims to reach approximately 87 million of the most vulnerable with the requested funding.
Addressing a launch event in Geneva, Tedros highlighted ongoing health crises, including 41 emergencies, with 15 classified as the highest-level. He emphasized the traumatic start to 2024 for those affected by conflicts, such as in Ukraine, Sudan, and Gaza. Tedros also underscored the impact of the climate crisis on health, pointing out the hottest year in human history in 2023 and its implications, from catastrophic hunger to disease outbreaks.
The WHO chief noted that disruptions to essential health services during emergencies often result in life-or-death situations. He expressed concern over the inadequate funding in 2023, with health aid appeals receiving only 12 percent of the requested funds on average. Tedros urged increased efforts in 2024 to address these challenges and provide essential health support globally.
