WHO launches US$30.3 million flash appeal to respond to escalating health crisis across the Middle East

Cairo, Egypt, 2 April 2026 - The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a US$30.3 million flash appeal to support its health response to the escalating conflict across the Middle East, focusing on Lebanon, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Iraq, the Syrian Arab Republic and Jordan.

The appeal covers the period from March to August 2026 and aims to sustain life-saving health services in countries where health systems are under severe strain following weeks of intensified hostilities, mass displacement, and rising casualties.

Across the Region, more than 4.3 million people have been displaced, with thousands killed and tens of thousands injured. Hospitals and frontline health facilities are facing surging trauma caseloads while struggling to maintain routine services such as care for chronic diseases, maternal health and child health. At the same time, disruptions to water systems, overcrowded shelters and gaps in vaccination are increasing the risk of disease outbreaks.

WHO is working in close coordination with ministries of health, UN partners and humanitarian organizations to ensure a timely, coordinated and effective response. Through this appeal, WHO will prioritize trauma and emergency care, support the continuity of essential health services, and scale up disease surveillance and early warning systems to detect and respond to outbreaks.

The response will also reinforce supply chains and logistics to ensure the delivery of critical medicines and equipment, including through regional hubs and alternative transport routes where standard routes are disrupted.

In addition, WHO will strengthen national capacity to manage mass casualty incidents, including preparedness for chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear risks, and support emergency coordination through public health emergency operations centres and health sector leadership across affected countries.

The launch of the appeal follows WHO's earlier release of US$2 million from its Contingency Fund for Emergencies to support the health response, including US$1 million for Lebanon, US$500,000 for Iraq and US$500,000 for the Syrian Arab Republic.

The escalation of conflict in the Middle East comes at a time when humanitarian funding is tightening globally, while health needs across the region are expanding rapidly. Without additional resources, the gap between needs and available health services will continue to widen in the countries most affected.

Download the flash appeal here: https://www.emro.who.int/emergencies/middle-east-conflict/who-flash-appeal.html