WHO in emergencies

WHO is working with countries to respond to crises and emergencies by ensuring effective, efficient and timely action to address public health priorities so that lives are saved and suffering is reduced; and to recover from crises by ensuring the local health system is back to functioning.

Zika virus

Zika: a mother with a baby in a hospital, PAHO
PAHO

Zika virus and complications

WHO is working with countries in mobilizing and coordinating experts and resources to enhance surveillance of Zika virus and disorders that could be linked to it, to improve vector control, to effectively communicate risks, to provide medical care, to fast-track research and development of vaccines and diagnostics.

Yellow fever

Yellow fever vaccination, Sudan
WHO/C. Banluta

Yellow fever

WHO is working with countries to establish response coordination mechanisms, social mobilization and community engagement, to strengthen surveillance through the training of health workers, to enhance the preparation of the reactive immunization strategy.

Ebola outbreak

WHO Ebola vaccine trial team at a follow-up session with a participant in the trial, Guinea
WHO/S. Hawkey

Ebola virus disease outbreak

WHO and partners responded to the Ebola outbreak with a vast array of support: sending medical teams and mobile laboratories, building treatment centres, donating funds and supplies, providing training, deploying specialists in epidemiology, community engagement among many.

MERS-CoV

MERS patient visiting doctor, Korea
EPA/Hofford

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV)

WHO is working with clinicians and scientists in affected countries to gather and share scientific evidence to better understand the virus and the disease it causes, and to determine outbreak response priorities, treatment strategies, and clinical management approaches.

All emergencies, crises

Syrian boys stand amid the destruction following an airstrike which according to local reports was conducted by forces loyal to the Syrian Government on the rebel-held area of Douma, outskirts of Damascus, Syria, 21 October 2015.
EPA/M Badra

WHO is working with all countries facing humanitarian crises that have public health consequences. We prepare for/respond to/and recover from crises, such as the conflicts in Central African Republic, Republic of Iraq, the Syrian Arab Republic regional crisis, South Sudan’s civil conflict.

Funding

Health crisis in Central African Republic.
WHO/C. Black

WHO would like to thank all of the contributors that provided funding or in-kind contribution for WHO’s work in risk management and humanitarian response. More information about funding contributions and requirements: