Responding to Health Needs in Humanitarian Crises

When an emergency strikes, access to critical medicines, and health services, can mean the difference between life, and death. It is the most vulnerable, women, children, the elderly, and the sick, who are disproportionately impacted by humanitarian emergencies; as they become displaced, susceptible to diseases, violence, shortages of food, and water.

In 2024, over 300 million people will need humanitarian assistance against the worsening effects of climate change, natural disasters, conflict, and increasing economic hardship. Over half of these people, 166 million will need direct health care.

For over 75 years, WHO has been championing global health equity, ensuring everyone, everywhere, has access to healthcare. As a first responder with teams in over 150 countries, WHO works with local partners to ensure hospitals, and clinics, have the medicines, trained doctors and nurses they need to treat patients, as well as protect vulnerable people in times of crises.

Your donations will support WHO to ensure mothers can safely deliver their babies despite dire circumstances, the injured can receive immediate care, and people with chronic diseases can continue to receive the life-saving treatments they need to survive. Everyday, WHO is:

  • Saving lives and reducing suffering
  • Delivering health supplies and equipment to where it’s needed
  • Supporting existing health systems, including doctors and nurses to cope with increased pressures
  • Maintaining essential health services and continuity of care
  • Supporting communities to access healthcare no matter where they are
  • Building local resilience through partnerships
Learn more about WHO’s response to health emergencies in 2024
Surgical Supplies

Surgical Supplies

US$ 100

Could provide two people with trauma surgery to treat their injuries sustained in an emergency.

Pediatric Medicines

Pediatric Medicines

US$ 250

Could provide five children with pediatric medicines to treat their wounds and illnesses.

Emergency Medicines

Emergency Medicines

US$ 800

Could provide 1,200 people with emergency medicines, antibiotics, and health supplies to treat wounds and diseases.

WHO Foundation Campaigns

global emergency response © WHO / Kiana Hayen

Global Emergency Response

Conflict, food shortages, and climate crises have left a record 339 million people in critical need of humanitarian assistance.

Your support will help provide treatment for people wounded in conflict, those with chronic illness, and children and adults with malnutrition, as well as prevent the spread of diseases.

© WHO / Christopher Black

Ramadan 2024 Campaign

This Ramadan, contribute to providing essential supplies, healthcare, and hope to the families, women, children, and elderly in Gaza. Learn more about Ramadan 2024 Campaign.

Gaza Crisis © WHO

Gaza Crisis

Your donation will support the critically ill, and injured, most of whom are women, and children, in getting access to critical medicines, healthcare services, and mental health support.

Health Emergency Response for War in Ukraine © Bloomberg / Getty Images

Health Emergency Response for War in Ukraine

Support the delivery of health care to people across Ukraine and refugees in neighboring countries affected by the war.

Drought Crisis in the Sahel and Greater Horn of Africa © Farah Abdi Warsameh / AFP

Drought Crisis in the Sahel and Greater Horn of Africa

Provide essential medicines, emergency nutrition, vaccinations, mobile health centers, and increase the capacity of health workers to prevent fatalities from hunger, disease, and natural disasters.

Health Emergency Response for Sudan Conflict © WHO / Lindsay Mackenzie

Health Emergency Response for Sudan Conflict

Deliver crucial medical supplies and provide healthcare services to people affected by conflicts, displacement, and disease.

Global Health 2023 Impact

In 2023, WHO responded to more than 65 graded emergencies around the world; protecting the health of over 107 million people in times of immense need, including Afghanistan, Occupied Palestinian Territories, Sudan, the Horn of Africa and Ukraine.

On the ground, working closely with global partners, and local communities, WHO’s focus on equitable access to care, enables a rapid, and effective response, which strengthens hospitals’ capacities to treat patients, supplies essential medicines, and equipment, as well as prevents the spread of infectious disease outbreaks. WHO’s expertise in logistic operations helps to ensure that even the most hard to reach communities can access healthcare. In 2023, WHO:

  • Delivered over 6,500 metric tons of critical health supplies including medicines, and surgical equipment, to provide lifesaving care
  • Deployed 8,329 mobile clinics globally to treat patients
  • Enabled 44.7 million primary health care consultations
  • Provided 5 million maternal health consultations for expecting mothers to deliver safely
  • Supported 1.4 million trauma consultations
  • Supported 2.1 million mental health consultations in emergency contexts

Learn more about WHO’s impact in 2023

Our Impact In 2023 © WHO / Fabeha Monir

Partnership Opportunities

Are you interested in partnering with the WHO Foundation? Contact our partnerships team to learn more about how you can engage your company, employees, and customers.

Health Emergencies Alliance Contact Us

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