Countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region can be grouped into three categories according to how they conduct national health promotion and education activities. In the Region, very few countries have a national strategy on health promotion and education; most strategic documents are limited to communication plans related to specific diseases.

Group 1

This group of countries have increasing rates of noncommunicable diseases. Health promotion and education strategies in these countries tend to focus solely on the promotion of healthy lifestyles. More emphasis is needed on the social determinants of health to ensure equity is achieved. Included in this group of countries are Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait and Qatar.

Group 2

This group of countries tends to be in the middle-income bracket. Health promotion and education activities in these countries tend to more disease-oriented. Included in this group of countries are Egypt, Morocco, Syrian Arab Republic and Tunisia.

Group 3

The third group of countries tends to be in the low-income bracket. Health promotion and eduction activities are often sporadic and uncoordinated. Included in this group of countries are Yemen, Djibouti, Afghanistan and Sudan.