The department responded to 72 emergencies in 2023, including natural disasters and conflicts, and is expected to need additional funding to cover salaries up to June.

The independent report suggests that countries need to enhance their preparedness efforts, and the WHO must improve its process of transferring responsibilities to national authorities to manage increased demands.

The text discusses the challenges faced by the World Health Organization (WHO) in managing long-lasting humanitarian emergencies, such as natural disasters and conflicts in fragile states.

The WHO's emergencies program is currently under threat due to the increasing number of such emergencies, which could impact its ability to respond effectively to acute disease outbreaks.

The document recommends new guidelines for the WHO to increase capacity in countries and prevent the need to cut back on critical activities.

The WHO uses a system of grading emergencies, with the highest level being a "public health emergency of international concern" (PHEIC).

Currently, only polio remains at this level, with COVID-19 and mpox having been declared over in 2023.

The World Health Organization (WHO) faces a critical funding gap of around $411 million, or about a third of its emergencies program budget, despite an overall relatively well-funded budget last year.

The WHO responds to various emergencies, including conflicts, natural disasters, and infectious disease outbreaks.

Member states are discussing reforms to address the funding shortfall.