WHO typically gets most donations from governments. Currently the top donors are Germany, USA, Japan, United Kingdom, and Norway respectively.
Image of a child recovering from Mpox in DR Congo.
The ongoing
Mpox outbreak in Kenya and other 13 African countries is one of the crises the
World Health Organization has considered in appealing for $1.5 billion (Sh194
billion) from donors.
The WHO on
Thursday officially launched its 2025 Health Emergency Appeal (HEA) to support
health interventions worldwide.
“The
appeal, launched today by WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus,
outlines the critical priorities and resources needed to address 42 ongoing
health emergencies, including 17 Grade 3 crises – the most severe emergencies
requiring the highest level of response,” WHO said in a statement.
WHO
typically gets most donations from governments. Currently the top donors are
Germany, USA, Japan, United Kingdom, and Norway respectively.
With health
systems stretched to their limits and global financial resources dwindling, the
US$ 1.5 billion are needed to help people facing the most difficult situations,
the organisation said.
The WHO
estimated that from that amount, US$ 81.2 million (Sh10.5 billion) will be used
to combat the Mpox outbreak in Africa.
The outbreak
affected 18 countries in 2024 in Africa, 14 of which are currently experiencing
active outbreaks.
Director
General for Health in Kenya Patrick Amoth said Kenya has reported 31 cases since
last year.
“Twenty
eight have been discharged. One person died, but not directly as a result of
Mpox because he had a coexisting medical condition. One person is currently
admitted in a health facility. And one person is in isolation, home-based
isolation,” Amoth said.
“Of greater
importance, and the measures we have put in place include surveillance, risk
communication and community engagement, upping our diagnostic capacity, and
also our sequencing capacity.”
WHO boss Dr
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said conflicts, outbreaks, climate-related disasters
and other health emergencies are no longer isolated or occasional.
“They are
relentless, overlapping and intensifying,” he said. "From controlling
cholera outbreaks to providing mental health support in conflict zones, WHO’s
work extends beyond the immediate care we provide. We empower communities to
protect themselves, prioritize equity, and build a legacy of preparedness. This
appeal is about enabling WHO to save lives, protect the right to health, and
provide hope where there is none.”
He said WHO
is committed to delivering emergency health assistance, including in conflict
zones such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the occupied Palestinian
territory and Sudan.
WHO said
its response in emergencies is aligned with wider humanitarian efforts and
prioritizes providing essential care and medical supplies; treating
malnutrition and supporting maternal and child health; conducting vaccination
campaigns to prevent disease outbreaks; and offering mental health support to
populations impacted by trauma.
The Appeal
highlights four key challenges facing the world currently:climate change, conflict, displacement and
disease outbreaks. These are responsible for fueling deeper, longer lasting
health crises and putting the world’s most vulnerable at greater risk.
Image of a child recovering from Mpox in DR Congo.