Middle East Crisis: WHO Seeks $30.3m to Sustain Health Services Amid Rising Casualties
The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a $30.3 million emergency appeal to support health interventions in conflict-affected countries across the Middle East, warning that escalating violence is putting millions of lives at risk.
The appeal, covering March to August 2026, is aimed at addressing urgent health needs in Lebanon, Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Jordan, where health systems are under intense strain due to weeks of heightened hostilities, mass displacement, and increasing casualties.
According to WHO, over 4.3 million people have been displaced across the region, with thousands killed and tens of thousands injured, placing unprecedented pressure on already fragile healthcare systems.
The organisation said hospitals and frontline facilities are grappling with a surge in trauma cases while struggling to maintain routine medical services. It warned that essential care, including treatment for chronic illnesses, maternal health services, and child healthcare, is increasingly at risk of disruption.
WHO also expressed concern over deteriorating public health conditions, citing damaged water infrastructure, overcrowded shelters, and declining immunisation coverage as factors increasing the risk of disease outbreaks.
To respond to the crisis, the agency said the requested funds would prioritise emergency and trauma care, ensure continuity of essential health services, and strengthen disease surveillance and early warning systems.
It added that efforts are ongoing in collaboration with ministries of health, UN partners, and humanitarian organisations to deliver a coordinated and timely response.
WHO further disclosed plans to strengthen supply chains and logistics to ensure the delivery of critical medicines and equipment, especially as key transport routes remain disrupted.
The intervention will also support countries in managing mass casualty incidents and improving preparedness for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats, while enhancing emergency coordination systems.
The appeal follows an earlier release of $2 million from WHO’s Contingency Fund for Emergencies to kick-start urgent interventions, including $1 million for Lebanon and $500,000 each for Iraq and Syria.
However, the organisation warned that the scale of the crisis is rapidly outpacing available resources, noting that global humanitarian funding is shrinking even as needs continue to rise.
Stakeholders say sustained international support will be critical to prevent further deterioration of health conditions across the region.
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