The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a 2026 appeal asking donors for $1 billion to address health crises in 36 of the world's most severely affected areas, including the Gaza Strip, Sudan, Haiti and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.[1] These funds are intended to ensure the functioning of basic health services for people in humanitarian crises and conflicts.[1] WHO estimates that 239 million people will need urgent humanitarian assistance this year.[1] Chikwe Ihekweazu, WHO's head of emergencies, said a quarter of a billion people live in crises that deprive them of safety, shelter and access to health care.[1] In these conditions, medical needs are skyrocketing due to injuries, the spread of disease, malnutrition, and untreated chronic diseases.[1] However, access to health care is decreasing.[1] Last year WHO requested 1.5 billion dollars, but received only 900 million.[1] Therefore, it adjusted the requirements to realistic options, focusing on services with the greatest impact and limiting less effective activities to save as many lives as possible.[1]