Contingency fund for emergencies: 2018 update

Overview

The Contingency Fund for Emergencies (CFE) has been a game-changer for WHO. It allows WHO to respond rapidly to disease outbreaks and health emergencies - often in 24 hours or less. This saves lives and helps prevent unnecessary suffering. Furthermore, a quick response dramatically reduces the costs of controlling outbreaks and emergencies, as well as the wider social and economic impacts.

As at 15 October 2018, the CFE has released more than US$ 25 million for 27 events in 28 countries this year. This has enabled WHO to respond to 19 disease outbreaks, six natural disasters and two complex emergencies. More than 85% of all allocations of US$ 500 000 or less have been released within 24 hours.