PDF version

The Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) has experienced a series of natural and humanitarian emergencies that have elevated the importance of health system and multisectoral preparedness to respond to emergencies. Available literature indicates the need for functioning and resilient health systems that can deliver emergency services to affected populations as needed. 

National Public Health Institutes (NPHIs) provide public health services, surveillance and research and evidence for proactive interventions at all levels. They invest in advanced diagnostic tools and infrastructure that will ensure quick and accurate detection of public health threats. Most NPHIs in the EMR operate robust surveillance systems that enable real-time detection and response, and some of them have coordination hubs to streamline emergency response. Publishing the research outputs of NPHIs is essential and will make them available for use by relevant stakeholders.

To facilitate the publication of such research work, the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean is calling for papers for a special issue of the Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal (EMHJ) on the contribution of national public health institutes to emergency preparedness and response. This special issue aims to document the contributions of, and support advocacy efforts by, NPHIs to strengthening health systems in the EMR for better response to health emergencies and to provide more evidence for policymaking.

Types of manuscripts expected

Manuscripts for this special issue can be submitted as commentary, letter to the editor, original research article, short research communication, review, report, and policy brief on any of the following priority areas:

• Health systems preparedness and resilience, including surveillance and early warning systems, emergency planning, policy development, capacity building, workforce training, laboratory preparedness and biosafety, hazard identification and risk assessment, and environmental and climate-related health risk analysis.
• Emergency medical and public health response, including mass casualty management, incident management, logistics and supply chain management, infection prevention and control, emergency financing and resource mobilization, and digital health.
• Community preparedness, including risk communication and mental health and psychosocial support.
• Humanitarian response and relief operations, including post-disaster recovery and rehabilitation.
• Health information systems and data management.
• International Health Regulations implementation.

Manuscript submission information

• Interested authors should submit their manuscripts through the EMHJ platform on Editorial Manager (https://www2.cloud.editorialmanager.com/emhj/) on or before 31 May 2026.
• Manuscripts must comply with the  “Information  for authors” available at: https://emro.who.int/emh-journal/authors/
• Please indicate in your submission that the manuscript is for consideration for the special issue on the contribution of national public health institutes to emergency preparedness and response.

PDF version

The Eastern Mediterranean Region is the most affected by health emergencies among all of WHO regions. Nine of the 22 countries and territories in the region have been affected by years of internal or external conflicts, which have had serious impact on the people and their health systems. The massive displacements and attacks on healthcare in these countries place the already fragile health systems under perpetual strain, with severe implications for the populations. The frequent attacks on healthcare during conflicts have caused serious fatalities and grossly degraded the capacity of the health systems to respond to the healthcare needs within their countries and territories.

In February and April 2025, the Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal (EMHJ) published two special issues on the medical risks and health implications of the war in Gaza. The two special issues document the impact of war on healthcare in Gaza, providing evidence for further research as well as for policy, advocacy and targeted interventions.

EMHJ is now calling for submissions for a special issue on the impact of active and protracted conflicts on healthcare in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. The aim is to document the horrific state of healthcare in these countries and draw attention to some of the health issues requiring urgent and sustained response, as a first step towards providing new evidence for health policy, planning and renewed interventions.

Types of manuscripts expected

Manuscripts for this special issue can be submitted as commentaries, original research articles, short research communication, review articles, letters to the editor, and reports. Submissions focusing on any aspect of public health will be considered. However, these should provide new insights into key health and related issues at country or regional level as well as key recommendations for policy and practice. Priority will be given to manuscripts focusing on Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Occupied Palestinian Territory, Lebanon, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen, while manuscripts that address emergency-related challenges in other countries will also be considered.

Submission information

Interested authors should submit their manuscripts through the EMHJ platform on Editorial Manager at: https://www.editorialmanager.com/emhj/default.aspx

Manuscripts must comply with guidelines in the “Information for authors” available at:
https://www.emro.who.int/emh-journal/authors/

Please indicate in your submission that the manuscript is for consideration for the special issue on the impact of active and protracted conflicts on healthcare in the Eastern Mediterranean Region.