7 April 2024

Health is a human right, not a privilege. But all too often, that right is compromised. That’s why WHO has chosen “My health, my right” as the theme for World Health Day 2024.

It is a critical issue in the Eastern Mediterranean Region.

Our Region is home to 38% of all people in need of humanitarian aid globally.

Conflict and natural disasters are stopping people from getting the quality health care they need.

Urgent action is vital to reduce health inequities, safeguard human rights and prioritize the needs of the most vulnerable.

We are a long way from achieving universal health coverage and other health-related Sustainable Development Goals.

To ensure that everyone can live the healthiest possible life, countries need to invest in strong, inclusive health systems.

And they need to tackle the underlying determinants of health such as poverty, gender inequality and climate change.

WHO will continue working with countries to promote equitable health care and support the health workforce. We want to see a Region where every single person can attain the highest possible standard of health and well-being.

On World Health Day, I call on governments, health care professionals and other partners to recommit to our shared mission.

Together, let us make the right to health a reality for everyone in the Eastern Mediterranean Region.

24 March 2024

Today, on World Tuberculosis Day, we commemorate the ongoing efforts to combat this infectious disease, which tragically claims over 1 million lives annually – 7% of which occur in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region. Each year, this day serves as a reminder that ending TB is within our reach.

Prevention is indeed better than cure; therefore, preventive treatment is one of the crucial interventions against TB. This intervention, part of primary health care, aims to halt the progression from latent TB infection to active TB disease. A cornerstone of preventive interventions involves screening high-risk groups and providing preventive treatment to individuals, according to WHO guidelines, to reduce the incidence of TB and its associated consequences.
Unfortunately, access to TB preventive treatment remains limited in our Region.

In 2022, only 5% of eligible contacts of TB patients and 8% of people living with HIV received this treatment. Factors such as lack of awareness, insufficient funding, conflicts, and the stigma associated with TB have hindered progress, putting many at unnecessary risk of developing the disease.
Our regional TB action plan commits to increasing TB preventive treatment coverage to at least 60% of eligible individuals, reaching 2 million people annually by 2030.
While ambitious, this goal is achievable.

I urge governments to prioritize national ownership of and commitment to TB prevention. Health care providers must effectively communicate the benefits of TB preventive treatment to eligible individuals. Community organizations can engage local communities to actively participate in TB prevention efforts. Further, donors, partners, the private sector and manufacturers must work together to ensure equitable and sustainable access to TB treatment, leaving no one behind.

Through strong partnerships and collective action, we can expand TB preventive treatment coverage and, ultimately, end TB. Together, we can make this vision
a reality.

8 March 2024

Every year on the 8th of March, we mark International Women’s Day, and the entire month of March is dedicated to recognizing women’s achievements and advances despite numerous challenges.

This year’s theme is “Invest in women: Accelerate progress”, a call which is crucial that we embrace during these times of uncertainty.

In a world confronted with manifold emergencies and crises, investing in women is more vital than ever. We need to invest in women’s and girls’ empowerment, health and well-being in all areas of life. This includes recognizing and investing in their roles as leaders, peacekeepers, service providers and key contributors to families and communities. This is the only way to secure prosperous and just societies, and a better future for all.

Life expectancy among women in the countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region ranges between 57 and 82 years, a shocking 25-year difference. Moreover, life expectancy serves as a proxy indicator for women’s health in general, which has been severely impacted by the many crises in the Region. We need to ensure that more funding and programmes are earmarked for women’s health, especially during times of insecurity and emergencies. There is no progress without healthy citizens.

It is well documented that during emergencies, gender-based violence increases, and maternal and reproductive health services are compromised. It is estimated that when disaster strikes, women and children are up to 14 times more likely than men to die. Women’s active participation in efforts to prepare for and respond to disasters needs to be increased. We must ensure that our emergency preparedness and response efforts are not gender blind.

When we think about women’s health, we need to look at it holistically across the life cycle. Only in this way, can we design, promote and implement health programmes that will address women’s needs comprehensively. Addressing women’s health also requires breaking away from vertical programming and embracing collaboration within and between sectors. Such an approach is critical to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and WHO’s vision of Health for All.

The future depends on our actions today. By reducing gender inequalities, improving the health and well-being of women and girls, and advancing their socioeconomic status and inclusion, we enhance our societies. When we invest in women, we invest in progress, peace and prosperity for everyone, everywhere.