Health action in crises

Donor centre

Donor contributions make it possible for WHO to provide technical assistance, medical supplies and coordination services during humanitarian emergencies. As the lead agency of the Health Cluster, WHO works with UN agencies, NGOs and other partners to address the needs of people in crisis in a comprehensive and coordinated manner. To continue our work and to increase our capacity, funding to both WHO's 'Five Year Plan to Strengthen WHO's Capacity for Humanitarian Health Action' and for the 'Consolidated Appeal' is vital.

News

  • 14 December 2012

    Consolidated Appeal Process 2012 - launch

    The Consolidated Appeal Process briefing for the Humanitarian Appeal for 2012 launch was held in Geneva.

  • 11 November 2011

    Horn of Africa crisis health update

    The rainy season has started in the Horn of Africa. Although the rains will have long-term positive effects on food production, the rains also bring increased risk of mosquito-borne illnesses such as malaria and dengue and waterborne illnesses such as cholera and other severe diarrhoeal diseases. In addition, heavy rains are washing out roads, making it more difficult for health workers to reach their posts, medical supplies to be delivered, and rapid response teams to investigate reports of disease outbreaks.

  • 30 October 2011

    Appeal to cover WHO Emergencies Department funding gap for end 2011- beginning 2012

    WHO’s Emergency Risk Management and Humanitarian Response (ERM) department made an appeal to donors to cover a funding gap for the end of 2011 and the first six months of 2012. ERM has made considerable savings in the recent months, by creating a leaner, more focused, emergencies department. As a result, there will be a substantial decline in staff costs for 2011-2013. However, a substantive financial gap remains.

  • 13 September 2011

    Horn of Africa crisis health update for donors in Geneva

    The Horn of Africa crisis is putting close to 13 million people in need of humanitarian assistance. Of these, 4.8 million reside in Ethiopia, 3.7 million in Somalia, 3.7 million in Kenya, 600 000 in Uganda and 165 000 in Djibouti. In Somalia, drought and conflict have displaced around 1.5 million people within the country and forced up to 420 000 people to seek help in Kenya and Ethiopia. In July, daily arrivals in each country ranged from 1300 to 1700. The majority are women and children.

  • 16 August 2011

    WHO to procure essential supplies on behalf of the Libyan Government

    In response to the growing health crisis in Libya, the United Nations Sanctions Committee has approved the release of €100 million from the Central Bank of Libya to WHO to ensure the provision of essential medicines, vaccines and medical supplies for the whole of the country. While awaiting these funds, a list of priority items has been developed by WHO in collaboration with national authorities including the Ministry of Health in Tripoli and the Transitional National Council health authorities in Benghazi. It is expected that the first tranche of supplies will cover 8 weeks of consumption.

  • 10 August 2011

    WHO responds to essential health needs in the drought-stricken Horn of Africa

    WHO calls for US$ 23.4 million to counter malnutrition and the spread of disease in the Horn of Africa. The worst drought in decades in the Horn of Africa is putting the health of 12.4 million people at risk from disease and widespread malnutrition.

Donor alerts

Pakistan Floods Donor Alert

28 September 2011 -- The recent heavy flooding caused by the monsoon in Pakistan, most devastating in Sindh, has affected the lives of over five million people. Flood waters continue to drain, leaving behind massive damage and large areas of standing water in Sindh. In the framework of the Pakistan Rapid Response Plan for the Floods, the Health and Nutrition Cluster is appealing for US$ 45.9 million, of which US$14.8 are requested by WHO for health, nutrition and water and sanitation interventions.

WHO develops health sector response plan for the Horn of Africa humanitarian crisis

29 July 2011 -- The health of 12.4 million people is at risk as a result of widespread malnutrition and disease following the worst drought in the Horn of Africa region in decades. The situation is intensified by the ongoing conflict in Somalia which has led to mass population displacements, as people flee both drought and warfare. WHO will require US$ 29.5 million to finance the prevention and mitigation of disease in the Horn of Africa drought affected areas.


Guidelines for donors