WHO requests US$42m to maintain health care amid Ukraine war
WHO is seeking US$42 million in 2026 to sustain essential health care and medical evacuations for 700,000 people in Ukraine amid ongoing conflict and displacement
The World Health Organization has launched its Humanitarian Appeal for Ukraine 2026, seeking US$42 million to protect access to health care for 700,000 people affected by the ongoing conflict. The appeal focuses on strengthening emergency and trauma care, sustaining essential primary health services, boosting preparedness, and coordinating medical evacuations for patients needing specialized care.
“Ukraine’s humanitarian health needs remain immense, and the pressure on the health system is not easing,” said Dr Jarno Habicht, WHO Representative in Ukraine. “In 2025, WHO helped nearly two million people access care, medicines and emergency support, often close to the frontlines. In 2026, our focus will remain on essential services in conflict-affected areas, safe medical evacuations, support for displaced populations and strong coordination to ensure no one is left without care when they need it most.”
Since early 2022, WHO has verified at least 2,841 attacks on health care. Repeated strikes on critical energy infrastructure have damaged power generation, increasingly disrupting the delivery of essential health services. At the same time, around 3.6 million people remain internally displaced, interrupting treatment pathways, limiting access to care and placing additional pressure on overstretched services in host communities.
“Our 2026 appeal will sustain trauma services, maintain primary care delivery in conflict-affected areas, support medical evacuations for critically ill patients and ensure continuity of care for millions who are displaced or cut off from services,” said Dr Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe. “As humanitarian funding declines globally, continued investment is essential to prevent further deterioration of health outcomes and maintain the resilience of Ukraine’s health system.”
WHO’s 5 priorities for Ukraine
Sustaining life-saving trauma care and emergency medical services in frontline and conflict-affected areas by strengthening emergency medical teams, expanding surge capacity and ensuring the supply of essential medicines.
Ensuring access to essential health care in frontline areas, particularly within the 0–20 km zone, where needs are most acute.
Sustaining integrated health services for people on the move, including internally displaced people and evacuees, along displacement routes and in transit centres.
Supporting medical evacuation of wounded and critically ill patients from frontline areas, fully aligning evacuation systems with the Ministry of Health and international partners, including the European Union (EU) Civil Protection Mechanism.
Strengthening health information systems and coordination around public health intelligence, risk communication and community engagement.
In 2025, WHO reached 1.9 million people across Ukraine through service delivery, medical supplies, referrals and capacity-building, with a strong focus on frontline and hard-to-reach locations.