Contingency Fund for Emergencies – Mid-year update 2026
Overview
In the first half of 2026, the CFE continued to enable WHO to respond rapidly to health emergencies worldwide. WHO released more than US$ 10 million from the CFE to address the health consequences of 12 emergencies, including five disease outbreaks, three complex crises, and four natural disasters.
As a key source of WHO’s flexible, early financing for emergencies, the CFE ensures that life-saving operations can begin immediately, often before other donor funding is mobilized. Twelve Member States and the UN Foundation have pledged or contributed more than US$ 17 million to the CFE so far this year.
The Fund’s balance, however, remains critically low. Continued support is needed to ensure WHO can act first and fast when new health emergencies strike.