The World Health Organization announced on Tuesday it is seeking nearly $1 billion to respond to health emergencies worldwide in 2026. The funding request targets preparedness for outbreaks like Ebola, cholera, and pandemic threats. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus made the appeal during a briefing in Geneva. He said the funds would support rapid response teams, medical supplies, and surveillance systems across 150 countries. The organization aims to secure commitments by mid-2025. Nigeria's Federal Ministry of Health confirmed it would participate in the funding discussions. Health Minister Muhammad Pate stated Nigeria supports the initiative. He noted the country faces regular disease outbreaks that strain local resources. The WHO request comes as global health spending faces pressure. Many donor nations have reduced foreign aid budgets. The United States Congress cut global health funding by 8% in its 2024 appropriations. The European Union redirected €500 million from health to defense programs last year. Africa recorded 40 major disease outbreaks in 2023. The WHO responded to 15 of these events on the continent. Nigeria alone reported 5,000 cholera cases and 200 deaths in 2023. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control spent ₦2.5 billion ($1.7 million) on outbreak containment. That amount exceeded its annual surveillance budget by 30%. ## Why It Matters for African Markets The WHO funding drive signals shifting priorities in global health. It highlights growing reliance on international mechanisms for outbreak response. African nations often lack domestic resources for rapid health emergencies. Nigeria's health budget was ₦1.33 trillion ($890 million) in 2024. That represents only 4.5% of total government spending. The WHO recommends countries allocate at least 15% of budgets to health. Inadequate funding leaves gaps in laboratory capacity and medical stockpiles. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention estimates the continent needs $4.5 billion annually for health security. Current funding covers less than 20% of that requirement. The WHO initiative could supplement national efforts. It might also redirect donor money from other health programs. The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria faces a $10 billion shortfall for 2023-2025. Some experts worry WHO emergency funding might compete with existing health investments. ## Business Implications in Nigeria Nigerian businesses should monitor several developments. The WHO funding could create opportunities in healthcare supply chains. Companies like May & Baker Nigeria Plc produce essential medicines and vaccines. The pharmaceutical firm reported ₦18.2 billion ($12.1 million) in revenue for Q1 2024. It plans to expand its production capacity for outbreak-related drugs. Another player, Fidson Healthcare Plc, manufactures antibiotics and antiviral medications. Its stock gained 15% in 2023 amid increased demand for health products. Healthcare infrastructure firms might also benefit. Julius Berger Nigeria Plc has built isolation centers and laboratory facilities. The construction company secured a ₦45 billion ($30 million) contract for a specialist hospital in Abuja last year. Medical equipment suppliers like Beta Glass Company face rising demand. The company produces vials for vaccines and diagnostic samples. Its sales grew 22% in 2023 to ₦28.7 billion ($19.1 million). Insurance providers see growing interest in pandemic coverage. African Alliance Insurance Plc launched a business interruption product for disease outbreaks. The policy covers revenue losses during government-mandated shutdowns. Premiums start at ₦500,000 ($333) annually for small businesses. ## What Businesses Should Watch Companies should track the WHO's fundraising progress. The organization will publish a donor conference schedule in November. Nigeria's government might increase its own health spending in response. The 2025 budget proposal includes a 10% increase for the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control. That would bring its funding to ₦3.5 billion ($2.3 million). Businesses should prepare for potential supply chain disruptions. Disease outbreaks can restrict movement and workforce availability. The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria recommends members maintain 90-day inventory buffers. Tourism and hospitality sectors remain vulnerable. Nigeria's travel industry lost ₦250 billion ($167 million) during the COVID-19 pandemic. A new major outbreak could trigger similar losses. The Nigerian Stock Exchange lists 12 healthcare companies. Their combined market capitalization is ₦450 billion ($300 million). Investors might shift funds toward these stocks if health concerns rise. The NSE Healthcare Index underperformed the broader market by 5% in 2023. It could rebound with increased health spending. regulatory changes might emerge. The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control plans faster approvals for emergency medicines. Its new guidelines will cut review times from 12 months to 6 months for outbreak-related products. Companies should engage with the Federal Ministry of Health. The ministry holds quarterly consultations with private sector stakeholders. The next meeting is scheduled for October 15 in Abuja.