The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has reported that only 21 per cent of the $45.3 billion required for life-saving humanitarian activities in 2025 had been funded as of September, with just $9.6 billion received. This represents a sharp decline of over 40 per cent compared to the same period last year, leaving millions of vulnerable people without essential services.
Funding shortfalls are already having severe consequences. In Afghanistan, more than 420 health facilities have closed this year, depriving three million people of critical medical care. In Somalia, cuts to food aid mean only 350,000 people will receive support in November, down from over a million in August. Meanwhile, half a million Rohingya refugee children in Bangladesh have lost access to education due to funding gaps.
Despite limited resources, the UN and its humanitarian partners continue efforts to reach as many people as possible. In June, OCHA launched a hyper-prioritized global appeal within the broader 2025 Global Humanitarian Overview, requesting $29 million to address the most urgent needs of 114 million people. UN Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Coordinator Tom Fletcher emphasized the difficult choices involved, stating that while too many may not receive support, efforts will focus on saving as many lives as possible with the available resources.
OCHA has called on donors to increase their investment in humanitarian aid, warning that without greater support, millions of people facing crises worldwide will continue to go without essential food, healthcare, and education.
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