Geneva: The World Health Organisation (WHO) has launched an ambitious global appeal for 2026, seeking nearly $1 billion to support millions of people affected by humanitarian crises and conflicts worldwide. The appeal, unveiled on Tuesday, underscores the urgent need for healthcare access in regions devastated by conflict and disaster.
According to Emirates News Agency, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the importance of this appeal, stating that it represents a commitment to provide not only essential services but also hope to those in dire circumstances. The 2026 appeal aims to address 36 global emergencies, including 14 'grade 3' crises that require the highest level of response from the organization.
The appeal comes at a critical time when funding for humanitarian and health aid is facing a significant decline, the sharpest in a decade. Tedros highlighted the disparity between the growing global defense spending, now exceeding $2.5 trillion annually, and the dire need for resources to support vulnerable populations. Approximately a quarter of a billion people are currently living in crises that have deprived them of safety, shelter, and healthcare.
