Disaster Relief and Response
Key Facts
Africa
Over the past five years, WHA has responded to more than 80 major disasters across Africa, delivering immediate aid and long-term recovery programs to an estimated 18 million individuals.
In the aftermath of the 2022 drought in the Sahel region, WHA supported over 1 million individuals, providing immediate food aid and initiating agricultural enhancement programs to strengthen local farming practices.
Following the devastating cyclone in Madagascar in 2022, WHA's rapid response team provided immediate relief to over 500,000 affected individuals, including restoring damaged farmland and rebuilding schools for ongoing education amidst adversity.
We always stand with the needy!
How we responded
In 2022, when a devastating cyclone hit Madagascar, WHA was there, working day and night to provide immediate relief to over 500,000 affected individuals. But beyond the numbers, there’s the story of Rasoanirina, a small-scale farmer who, with WHA’s help, was able to restore her damaged farmland and regain her livelihood. It’s about the smiles we brought back to children’s faces as we rebuilt damaged schools, allowing education to continue amidst adversity.
In South Sudan, amidst civil unrest and food scarcity, WHA managed to reach over 2 million people with life-saving aid in 2023. Among these is the narrative of Ajole, a single mother who, with WHA’s support, was able to provide for her family and even start a small business. Her story stands as a testament to the fact that aid is more than immediate relief; it is a catalyst for long-term change.
Our work in the Democratic Republic of Congo stands out, where we have been instrumental in controlling the Ebola outbreak. Through our collaboration with health agencies and local communities, we’ve reached over 10,000 individuals, providing not only health support but also crucial information about prevention measures.
These stories are the heart and soul of WHA’s work in Africa, each one a compelling narrative of resilience, hope, and the profound difference that effective humanitarian aid can make. As we continue our work, we strive to add more such stories, touching more lives and making a deeper impact.
WHA’s work in Africa is more than a series of interventions; it is a collection of powerful narratives that highlight resilience, collaboration, and the transformative power of humanitarian aid.
How we responded
The World Humanitarian Alliance (WHA) has been at the forefront of disaster relief in Africa, making a significant impact across the continent's diverse regions. Our response efforts touch the lives of millions, offering a beacon of hope amidst adversity.
In the last five years alone, WHA has mobilized support in response to over 80 major disasters across Africa, reaching an estimated 18 million individuals with immediate aid and long-term recovery programs. From the flood-prone regions of Mozambique to the drought-stricken communities in East Africa, our presence has been unwavering.
Our disaster relief efforts in Africa are characterized by speed, efficiency, and a deep commitment to the principle of Humanity. Within 48 hours of a disaster declaration, our Rapid Response Team is on the ground, working closely with local communities and governments to provide urgent aid - including food, water, shelter, and healthcare services.
But our work doesn't end with immediate relief. WHA is committed to helping communities recover and rebuild, partnering with local organizations to implement sustainable solutions that increase resilience to future disasters. For instance, in the aftermath of the 2022 drought in the Sahel region, WHA supported over 1 million individuals, not only with immediate food aid but also with initiatives aimed at strengthening local agricultural practices.
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Let’s Stand for the People Who
are still suffering in Ukraine.
A number of poor have lost their sources of regular income, creating financial instability as they have little or no savings to resort to. Please donate to save a life.
Empowering Humanity Together
A call to serve those affected by war
At the World Humanitarian Alliance (WHA), we are deeply committed to supporting communities affected by crisis worldwide. One such place where our efforts have made a significant impact is Ukraine, a nation that has experienced political instability and conflict in recent years.
Key Facts
Ukraine
Since 2021, the WHA has reached over 1.2 million people across conflict-affected regions in Eastern Ukraine, including Donetsk and Luhansk, with lifesaving aid and long-term recovery programs.
WHA has set up mobile healthcare units in cities such as Mariupol and Sloviansk, providing critical medical care to thousands of individuals, including children and the elderly, who otherwise have limited access to these services.
Focusing on long-term recovery, WHA has initiated programs to rehabilitate damaged schools and foster economic resilience, enabling over 20,000 children to continue their education and helping more than 5,000 households to start small businesses, stimulating local economies amidst conflict.
How we responded
At the World Humanitarian Alliance (WHA), we are deeply committed to supporting communities affected by crisis worldwide. One such place where our efforts have made a significant impact is Ukraine, a nation that has experienced political instability and conflict in recent years.
In response to the humanitarian crisis in Eastern Ukraine, WHA has been at the forefront, mobilizing resources and support for the affected communities. Since 2021, we’ve reached over 1.2 million people across the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, providing lifesaving aid and a glimmer of hope amid uncertainty.
The WHA Rapid Response Team has worked tirelessly, ensuring that help arrives swiftly where it is most needed. In the immediate aftermath of flare-ups, we’ve delivered essential aid packages, including food, clean water, medicine, and warm clothing, to approximately 800,000 individuals, often within 48 hours of an emergency declaration.
In cities such as Mariupol and Sloviansk, we’ve set up mobile healthcare units to bridge the gap in medical services caused by the conflict. Our dedicated health professionals have provided critical care to thousands of people, including the elderly and children, who would otherwise have limited access to such services.
However, our efforts in Ukraine go beyond immediate disaster response. Recognizing that education is crucial for future stability and prosperity, WHA has initiated a program to rehabilitate damaged schools in conflict-ridden areas.
Our work in Ukraine embodies WHA’s commitment to empowering humanity together. Despite the challenges, we are inspired by the resilience and strength of the Ukrainian people, and we remain steadfast in our mission to provide much-needed humanitarian support in the region.
WHA’s commitment to Ukraine extends even further, with a strong focus on long-term recovery and community development. In towns such as Avdiivka and Volnovakha, we’ve implemented programs that foster economic resilience. Our initiatives have helped over 5,000 households to kick-start small businesses, promoting self-reliance and stimulating local economies amidst conflict.
Moreover, recognizing the psychosocial impact of the crisis, WHA has established community support centers that offer mental health services and counseling. In these safe spaces, we’ve assisted more than 10,000 individuals, helping them cope with the trauma and stress related to the ongoing conflict.
In the face of infrastructure destruction, we’ve also embarked on essential repair and rebuilding projects. In 2022 alone, we rehabilitated over 200 homes and public infrastructure sites, ensuring that families have a safe shelter and communities can access vital facilities.
As we press on with our work in Ukraine, we remain committed to empowering these communities, supporting them in navigating the challenges of today while building a better and more secure tomorrow.
Help Us to Make Difference
Let’s Stand for the People Who
are still suffering because of Covid-19
A number of poor have lost their sources of regular income, creating financial instability as they have little or no savings to resort to. Please donate to save a life.
Key Facts
Middle East
Over the past five years, WHA has reached an estimated 3 million people in Syria, providing lifesaving aid amidst the ongoing conflict.
In Yemen, WHA has extended help to more than 2 million people since 2022, focusing on critical health and nutrition needs.
In refugee camps like Zaatari and Azraq in Jordan, WHA has provided healthcare, education, and psychosocial support to over 500,000 refugees.
Through community development projects in Iraq, WHA has improved the lives of over 1 million individuals, providing improved access to water, sanitation, and livelihood opportunities.
......How we responded
WHA remains deeply committed to providing effective and compassionate disaster relief in the Middle East, a region that has experienced significant turmoil and hardship for decades.
Our presence has been especially significant in war-torn countries such as Syria and Yemen. Over the past five years, WHA has reached an estimated 3 million people in Syria with lifesaving aid, despite the challenging operational context. Our teams have worked tirelessly to deliver food, water, medical supplies, and shelter to communities caught in the crossfire.
In Yemen, home to the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, WHA extended help to more than 2 million people in 2022. We have focused particularly on addressing critical health and nutrition needs in cities such as Sana’a and Aden, where the conflict has led to a collapse of basic services.
Recognizing the plight of displaced populations, WHA has been at the forefront of offering support to refugees in countries such as Lebanon and Jordan. In camps like Zaatari and Azraq in Jordan, we’ve delivered essential services to over 500,000 refugees, providing healthcare, education, and psychosocial support to those who have been forced to flee their homes.
Furthermore, WHA has initiated a series of community development projects in Iraq, aimed at helping communities recover from the devastating effects of conflict. These initiatives have already improved the lives of over 1 million individuals, providing them with improved access to shelter, water, sanitation, and livelihood opportunities.
Recognizing the long-term impact of war on children, we’ve established Child Friendly Spaces across Syria, Iraq, and Yemen, where over 250,000 children have found a safe environment to learn, play, and heal from the trauma of conflict. These initiatives ensure that, amidst the chaos, children do not lose their right to a childhood or their chance for a better future.
Meanwhile, in countries like Lebanon and Jordan, which host large numbers of refugees, we’ve worked on community cohesion programs, bringing together host and refugee communities. These programs have reached over 50,000 people, promoting understanding, reducing tensions, and fostering an environment of mutual respect and cooperation.
At the heart of WHA’s work in the Middle East are the countless stories of resilience and recovery. Stories like that of Amina, a single mother in Yemen who, with the support of WHA, started a small business to support her family, or that of Ahmed, a young Syrian refugee who, through WHA’s education programs in Zaatari camp, continues his studies despite the challenges. These narratives underline the tangible impact of our work and reinforce our commitment to a better, safer, and more humane world.
Our work in the Middle East is a testament to the power of collective action, demonstrating how we can bring about substantial change even in the most difficult circumstances. As we move forward, we continue to work towards our vision of a world where every individual can live with dignity, safety, and opportunity, no matter where they are.
Help Us to Make Difference
Let’s Stand for the People Who
are still suffering in the Middle East
A number of poor have lost their sources of regular income, creating financial instability as they have little or no savings to resort to. Please donate to save a life.
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WHA's Response to Earthquakes in Syria and Turkey
Resilience Amidst Rubble:
Quick Facts
- Deaths: Approximately 60,000 people
- Non-fatal injuries: Over 125,000 people
- Displaced: Over 2.3M people
- People affected: At least 22M people
- Buildings destroyed: Over 200,000
- Property damage: Approximately $100B
- Magnitude: 7.8
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In embodying these humanitarian principles, we strive to create an environment of trust, respect, and mutual understanding. We believe that these principles are not just guidelines, they are the foundation upon which we build our mission, shaping our actions, decisions, and the impact we seek to create.
When the series of catastrophic earthquakes hit Syria and Turkey, the WHA was quick to mobilize. The earthquakes, with magnitudes ranging from 6.9 to 7.8, devastated entire towns and left millions in desperate need of aid. The loss was significant: over 50,000 lives lost, 125,000 injured, and over 2 million displaced from their homes. After the destruction of over 200,000 buildings.
In the face of such devastation, WHA acted swiftly. Within 48 hours, our emergency response teams were on the ground, providing much-needed relief and reassurance to the affected communities.
The earthquakes left approximately 20 million people homeless in both Syria and Turkey. WHA launched an emergency shelter program that provided 150,000 temporary shelter kits in the immediate aftermath. To date, we have been able to construct semi-permanent homes for over 200,000 individuals, ensuring they have a safe and dignified space to rebuild their lives.
Medical aid was crucial in the early stages of the response. WHA’s medical teams, in coordination with local health authorities, set up 30 emergency health clinics, treating over 15,000 injured individuals. Our mental health professionals provided psychological first aid to over 10,000 people, helping them cope with the trauma and loss.
Despite the devastation, WHA remained committed to ensuring that children’s education was not interrupted. We set up 80 emergency learning spaces within the temporary shelter camps, reaching over 5,000 children. Additionally, WHA distributed 9,000 education kits, helping to foster a sense of normality and continuity for these young minds.
With the local economy disrupted and basic resources scarce, WHA rolled out food security programs. We’ve delivered emergency food aid to over 80,000 individuals and initiated cash transfer programs for 15,000 families, empowering them to meet their basic needs. In collaboration with local authorities, we’ve also initiated livelihood programs, offering vocational training to 5,000 people, thus aiding the recovery of local economies.
As we move from immediate relief to long-term recovery, WHA’s efforts are focused on ‘building back better.’ We’re working with local communities and authorities to construct earthquake-resistant structures and train local masons in resilient building techniques. Through these efforts, we aim to ensure that the communities we serve are better equipped to face future disasters.
The road to recovery after such devastating earthquakes is long and fraught with challenges. However, the resilience of the Syrian and Turkish communities, coupled with WHA’s commitment to empowering humanity, ensures that hope is restored amidst the rubble. As we continue our work, we are reminded that every rebuilt home, every healed wound, and every child back in school is a testament to the indomitable human spirit. Together, we are not just rebuilding structures; we are reconstructing lives and communities.
In the aftermath of the earthquakes, access to clean water, sanitation, and electricity became significant challenges for the affected communities. WHA, in collaboration with local partners and international aid agencies, has been pivotal in restoring these essential services. We have rebuilt and repaired over 50 water supply systems in both Syria and Turkey, ensuring access to clean drinking water for over 35,000 people. In addition, our teams have worked tirelessly to restore electricity and sanitation facilities in 20 affected communities, re-establishing a semblance of normalcy for residents.
In the face of such calamities, building local capacity to respond and recover becomes a crucial element of our work. WHA has facilitated training programs for over 2,000 local individuals in disaster management, equipping them with the skills to better prepare for and respond to future emergencies. By empowering these community leaders, we aim to foster self-reliance and resilience in the communities we serve.
Children, women, and the elderly are often the most vulnerable in times of crises. WHA has set up 50 protection centers, providing safe spaces for these vulnerable groups. Through these centers, we offer counseling services, legal aid, and livelihood support, reaching over 5,000 individuals. Our child protection services have ensured that 10,000 children affected by the earthquake are safe, protected, and have access to child-friendly spaces where they can play, learn, and heal.
As we progress towards recovery, WHA continues to advocate for sustained international aid for Syria and Turkey. We ensure that the world does not forget these communities and their plight by maintaining a dialogue with international media and holding high-level engagements with global leaders.
In the face of the devastating earthquakes in Syria and Turkey, the work of the World Humanitarian Alliance continues unabated. Every day, our teams strive to turn tragedy into transformation. We stand committed to helping the affected communities rise from the ashes, stronger and more resilient than before. This resilience, fuelled by our collaborative humanitarian efforts, ignites a spark of hope amidst the ruins. It serves as a potent reminder that together, we can overcome the toughest of challenges. The road to recovery might be long, but with each step, we are one step closer to a brighter, safer future for all.
