Humanitarian disasters are creating both immediate and long-term health challenges worldwide, according to global health officials.
The year 2025 began with 42 ongoing health emergencies affecting 305 million people globally, as reported by health authorities.
The majority of these crises are driven by humanitarian disasters such as wars, political instability, displacement, climate change, and disease outbreaks, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). These conflicts disrupt medical services, including vaccination campaigns, limit access to clean water and sanitation, increase malnutrition, and promote the spread of infections. Additionally, healthcare facilities are often targeted, and the toll from these disasters continues to rise.
“The delivery of healthcare is fundamental to building peace,” said Dr. Mike Ryan, the WHO’s head of health emergencies, during a press briefing.
Key Health Emergencies in 2025
War in Ukraine:
The health system in Ukraine has been devastated since Russia’s invasion in 2022, with more than 200 attacks on healthcare facilities. These attacks have caused significant damage, impacting medical services and eroding hope. According to the WHO, over 12.7 million people in Ukraine are in need of medical aid.
Israeli Conflicts with Hamas and Hezbollah:
Since the October 2023 assault by Hamas on Israel, resulting in over 1,200 deaths, the Gaza Strip’s healthcare system has been severely damaged. In response, the WHO estimates that more than 3 million people in Gaza and the West Bank need medical support. Similarly, conflict-related displacement in Lebanon, where Hezbollah has launched missiles, has resulted in over 1.2 million displaced persons.
Sudan’s Civil War:
Sudan has experienced 141 attacks on healthcare facilities since the civil war began in 2023, with 39% of medical centers either destroyed or non-functional. The WHO reports that approximately 30.4 million people in Sudan need emergency medical care.
Syria and Afghanistan’s Fallout:
Syria’s healthcare system, already weakened before the war, continues to be strained, with 16.7 million Syrians in need of health aid. In Afghanistan, the health system remains fragmented due to years of conflict, and an estimated 14.3 million people are currently in need of health assistance.
Growing Insecurity in Haiti:
In Haiti, gang violence and weakened state institutions have put about 40% of the population in urgent need of medical care, while the country is also facing a cholera epidemic.
Health Emergencies in Africa and Asia:
Myanmar: Ongoing conflict, displacement, and disease outbreaks such as cholera put millions at risk.
Yemen: Over 19.5 million people are in need of medical care as the country faces famine and an outbreak of vaccine-preventable diseases.
Ethiopia: With 21.4 million people requiring health aid, Ethiopia is grappling with droughts, floods, violence, and disease outbreaks.
Somalia: Climate-related crises and high maternal mortality rates have left six million people in urgent need of healthcare.
South Sudan: Malaria, measles, and humanitarian barriers continue to hinder healthcare delivery.
Democratic Republic of the Congo: Persistent outbreaks of mpox, cholera, and polio, combined with insecurity, have left 13 million people in need of urgent medical care.
These crises highlight the interconnectedness of conflict, climate change, and health, and underscore the need for improved humanitarian aid and international collaboration to address these health emergencies.
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