Amman, Feb 3 (Petra) - The World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday announced it needs $1 billion to address health crises in 36 regions around the world facing health emergencies, including Gaza, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Haiti.

The UN health agency estimated that 239 million people will require urgent health assistance this year, and that the funding will help maintain essential health services.

According to France 24, the organization’s Executive Director for Health Emergencies Programme, Chikwe Ihekweazu, told reporters in Geneva: "A quarter of a billion people are living in humanitarian crises that deprive them of basic protective factors: safety, shelter, and access to healthcare." He warned that under such conditions, "health needs increase, whether due to injuries, disease outbreaks, malnutrition, or untreated chronic illnesses, while access to care diminishes." He said the agency is unfortunately "aware that the willingness to mobilize resources has become far lower than in previous years," adding, "This is one of the reasons that pushed us to slightly adjust our appeal to be closer to what is realistically available, while recognizing the global situation and the constraints facing many countries." He added: "Families living on the margins face impossible choices, such as choosing between buying food or medicine," stressing that "people should never be forced to make such decisions." He continued: "For this reason, today we appeal to the conscience of states and peoples, and call on them to invest in a healthier and safer world." //Petra// AF