Contingency Fund - World Health Organization (WHO) 2015

The West African Ebola outbreak has underlined the importance of a timely and effective response to disease outbreaks in order to contain their spread and mitigate their impact. In response the World Health Organization (WHO) has established the WHO Contingency Fund. The Fund is designed to provide rapid access to flexible funding to support the immediate stages of its response to future outbreaks particularly those declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. The Fund bridges the gap between the start of an emergency and the point at which the WHO has raised adequate resources through its funding appeals. The total target size of the Contingency Fund is $100 million. With DFATD’s support the WHO is better prepared to respond to future disease outbreaks.

The expected immediate outcomes for this project include: (1) more timely and effective WHO communication leadership and coordination in the early stages of an outbreak response; and (2) enhanced preparedness and surveillance in surrounding areas at high risk. The expected ultimate outcome is lives saved suffering alleviated and human dignity maintained in countries experiencing humanitarian crises or acute food insecurity.