During the 78th World Health Assembly, Save the Children delivered a statement under the agenda item on health emergencies WHO’s work in health emergencies, drawing attention to the deepening crisis in humanitarian health funding. The statement, made in Save the Children's capacity as a member of the Global Health Cluster (GHC), emphasized the impact of declining resources on the ability to maintain essential health services and coordination in crisis-affected settings.
This statement at the Assembly follows a letter sent by the GHC Strategic Advisory Group to WHO in its capacity as Cluster Lead Agency, raising concerns about reduced support for cluster coordination and the broader implications for humanitarian health response. With the Health Cluster currently active in 28 countries, sustained leadership and funding are essential to ensuring continuity of health care to prevent further deterioration in fragile health systems.
The statement contributes to ongoing efforts to keep humanitarian health on the global agenda and is part of broader advocacy to protect coordination capacity at a time of rising needs and constrained resources.
The statement
As a member of the Global Health Cluster, we are deeply concerned about the escalating funding crisis in humanitarian health response. Since 2025, severe financial cuts have forced the suspension of programs in over 4,000 facilities, leaving 40 million people without access to essential care.
At a time of rising global need-driven by conflict, climate shocks, and mass displacement- this is not just a budget issue. It is a looming health catastrophe.
The Global Health Cluster is committed to protecting access to health through five urgent priorities:
- Safeguarding Health Cluster Coordination,
- Empowering local leadership,
- Reinforcing emergency surge response,
- Securing predictable funding, and
- Upholding the protection of healthcare in crises.
We commend ongoing advocacy efforts and humanitarian reform aimed at delivering agile, efficient, people-centered health response.
Without urgent action, the consequences will be devastating. Alongside the Global Health Cluster partners, we stand ready to collaborate, advocate, and deliver, ensuring humanitarian health responses remain effective, resilient, and accessible to people in need.