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FOREWORD
The threats of climate change, extreme weather events, food insecurity, conflict and displacement are intersecting, causing deeper and increasingly complex health emergencies. In 2024, almost 300 million people will require humanitarian health assistance and protection, and at least 15 emergencies are expected to require the highest level of intervention.
At least five WHO regions are impacted by worsening conflict and insecurity, including desperate situations in Ethiopia, Haiti, Myanmar, the occupied Palestinian territory, Sudan, and Ukraine. For those facing emergencies, disruptions to essential health services often mean the difference between life and death. From mothers giving birth during conflict, to aid to young children in drought-affected regions, to those receiving cancer treatment or dialysis, health care saves lives. Health care services are also critical for breaking the cycle that too often leaves communities in a perilous state and reliant on yet more emergency assistance.
Meanwhile, the climate crisis is stretching our ability to respond to a growing number of disasters. These are leading to an increased number of infectious disease outbreaks, higher levels of severe malnutrition, and a heightened risk of water-borne diseases following drought and flooding. Every humanitarian crisis is also a health crisis. Day and night, heroic health workers are helping those in crisis on the frontline, delivering critical services at great personal risk.
To stay ahead of these deepening threats, we need a robust approach that allows us to act quickly to provide high-quality health care to people in urgent need. We must do this while building resilience to future health threats and delivering on our longer-term commitments to people and the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals.
To achieve this, WHO urgently needs US$1.5 billion in funding to protect the health of the most vulnerable populations facing emergencies. This year’s appeal is the product of a series of difficult decisions. It is based on robust and rigorous plans highlighting where funds should be targeted to have the greatest impact, in the face of increasingly protracted crises. Last year saw a significant drop in donor funding for humanitarian relief. In 2024, emergency health delivery needs will grow, even as funding is decreasing. It is imperative that donors step up support and fund health care. The ability of WHO to deliver aid is a matter of life and death.
With the support of donors, we will save lives, meet critical health needs for the most vulnerable, and help communities emerge from crises with a greater ability to tackle future health threats. That support allowed us to assist millions of people in 2023. As we enter 2024, the solidarity and support of the international community is needed more than ever.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
WHO Director-General
Dr Mike Ryan
Executive Director of WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme