The Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal (EMHJ) is in its 21st year and since 2013, under the direction of Dr Alwan, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean and Editor-in-Chief, changes have been made to enhance EMHJ’s quality and public health relevance. For example, the Editorial Board and International Advisory Panel have been re-formed, an online submission and peer-review system introduced, more rigorous criteria applied for acceptance in terms of quality and public health relevance, the backlog of papers significantly reduced, and new sections added. However, not all the proposed changes have been implemented and improving and developing the Journal is an ongoing process. There is a need to identify challenges still facing the Journal, ensure that changes are implemented and consider ways to further develop the Journal.
The production of EMHJ involves input and support from many players who undertake important but different roles. Therefore it was decided to extend the Editorial Board meeting to involve others who contribute to the publication of EMHJ in various capacities in order to bring a wider perspective to addressing the challenges and solutions for EMHJ. An expanded Editorial Board meeting was therefore held on 6–7 June 2015 in the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, Cairo, Egypt.
The objectives of the meeting were to:
- review EMHJ achievements and challenges faced in 20 years (1995–2014);
- review and endorse draft publication ethics guidelines against which submissions can be evaluated and necessary action taken; and
- propose actions to improve the quality of articles at submission and throughout the review process.
Meeting report
Summary report on the Expanded meeting of the Editorial Board of the Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal, Cairo, Egypt, 6–7 June 2015
