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.
Deadline for manuscript submission: 15 March 2026
Target publication date: June 2026
For further information, contact:
