Director-General Dr Margret Chan said, "Last month, I also visited Oman, where I learned about the outcome of an European Union/WHO initiative to build the country’s capacity to respond to outbreaks and natural disasters. This is a splendid example of a whole-of-government approach, with more than 30 government sectors and departments working together to build resilience".

This reflects the rigorous step-by-step approach adopted by Oman over two years with high-level national commitment and collaboration with the WHO Regional Office and headquarters supported by the WHO Representative for Oman, Dr Jihane Tawilah, which has brought about an effective and sustainable outcome for the country. A similar approach is being applied in other countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region.