Life Saving Response
to the Gaza Crisis

Established in 2020 as an independent entity, the WHO Foundation complements and strengthens the work of WHO and its global network of partners by mobilizing new funding from diverse sources—including foundations, corporations and the general public—to power WHO’s mission. By addressing the world’s most urgent health issues in a new, transformative, catalytic way, the WHO Foundation aims to provide everyone, everywhere, a healthier, more equitable future.

The administrative costs of the Foundation are 5%, which is among the lowest in the sector, which ranges between 10-25%.

Donors who check the “name of box” box when they make a donation receive impact reports and updates on emergencies and will be among the first to know when an emergency strikes and how to help.

WHO joined with the Ministry of Health and local partners in Gaza, including United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to ensure that critical medicines and health equipment including trauma and surgical supplies, as well as expanded emergency care including mental health support and mass casualty training were made available in the first 24 hours of the emergency. WHO is supporting the continuation of essential health services including emergency care for pregnant people, care management of chronic diseases, and infectious disease control.

At the same time, WHO has pre-positioned additional medical supplies at the border with Egypt to reach over 300,000 people when the humanitarian corridors are secured. As the Rafah border crossing opens, transportation and delivery will be done through partners like the Egyptian and Palestinian Red Crescent Societies.

WHO’s role in health response to emergencies is unique. No organization can act alone in emergencies. The role of WHO is to coordinate the efforts of all health partners and to do so in collaboration with the Ministry of Health.

WHO also has the unique capability of delivering stockpiles of essential medicines within 48 hours of a request being made, locally and from its warehouse in Dubai. These supplies support hospitals and public health facilities so they are prepared and organized to face the emergency and to manage the surge in casualties. WHO continually monitors attacks on health facilities and healthcare providers, as well as documents and reports on health needs and restrictions to health care access both in Israel and occupied Palestinian territory.

The health-related needs are constantly evolving as the crisis unfolds. To date, WHO has identified the following needs:

• Trauma and emergency healthcare services
• Trauma and emergency medical kits
• Deployment of specialized medical teams
• Fuel for hospitals and ambulances to power electrical generators and operate emergency transport
• Ongoing treatment for people with diabetes and chronic diseases such as heart and lung disease

Israeli hospitals continue to treat hundreds of patients injured in the attacks by Hamas. WHO is ready to provide support if a request is made. WHO is now monitoring attacks on healthcare facilities and providers in Israel.