Kuala Lumpur, 6 February 2026 – The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched its 2026 Global Health Appeal, seeking nearly US$1 billion (RM4.4 billion) to support life-saving healthcare services for millions of people affected by conflicts, climate-related disasters and infectious disease outbreaks across 36 global emergencies.
WHO Representative to Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam and Singapore, Dr Rabindra Abeyasinghe, said the funding appeal is critical to maintaining essential health services in fragile environments where local healthcare systems have been severely disrupted.
Critical Emergencies and Priority Countries Identified
Of the 36 emergencies targeted under the appeal, 14 are classified as Grade 3 crises, the organisation’s highest level of emergency severity, requiring mobilisation of resources across WHO’s global, regional and national networks.
Priority countries identified for urgent assistance include:
- Afghanistan
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Haiti
- Myanmar
- Palestinian territories
- Somalia
- South Sudan
- Sudan
- Syria
- Ukraine
- Yemen
These regions face ongoing humanitarian challenges driven by conflict, displacement, climate shocks and weakened public health infrastructure.
Disease Outbreaks and Humanitarian Crises Continue to Strain Resources
The appeal also covers responses to major disease outbreaks such as cholera and mpox, which continue to threaten vulnerable populations worldwide. WHO reached nearly 30 million people last year through vaccinations, mobile clinics and emergency care, but constrained funding has limited its ability to sustain and expand response efforts.
Dr Rabindra emphasised that global funding constraints have placed increasing pressure on the organisation’s capacity to deliver essential healthcare interventions across multiple simultaneous crises.
Call for Global Support to Sustain Life-Saving Healthcare Services
WHO urged governments, donors and international partners to view contributions as a global responsibility, stressing that sustained funding is essential to protect vulnerable populations and prevent worsening humanitarian conditions.
The organisation warned that without adequate funding, millions of people could face disruptions in essential healthcare services, potentially exacerbating humanitarian crises and disease outbreaks worldwide.
The appeal reflects the growing scale and complexity of global health emergencies as geopolitical conflicts, climate change and emerging diseases continue to reshape international healthcare priorities.
