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Statement by Dr Ahmed Al-Mandhari, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, on the occasion of World Humanitarian Day 2023
19 August 2023, Cairo, Egypt – On this World Humanitarian Day, we come together to recognize the unwavering dedication and compassion of communities, humanitarian workers, and health care workers who tirelessly serve those in need worldwide. This year's theme, "No Matter What", resonates deeply as we reflect on the challenges faced by the...
Afghanistan's health system suffers critical underfunding, calls for donor support
17 August 2023 – The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a new alert calling for increased investment in health care service provision in Afghanistan, particularly in underserved areas that are severely under-resourced and vulnerable due to the ongoing humanitarian crisis. After decades of instability, exacerbated by severe drought and...
World Humanitarian Day 2023
19 August 2023 – On World Humanitarian Day 2023, join us as we embark on a journey that shines a spotlight on the unwavering spirit of solidarity that unites us all. Today and everyday, we celebrate the individuals across our Region dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of those in need. Please join us in honouring these heroes —...
Statement by Principals of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee: After 4 months of war, humanitarian leaders urge action to end the tragedy in Sudan
15 August 2023, NEW YORK/GENEVA/ROME – For 4 gruesome months, the people of Sudan have been engulfed in a war that is destroying their lives and their homeland, and violating their basic human rights. People have witnessed their loved ones gunned down. Women and girls have been sexually assaulted. Families have seen their possessions looted and...
Strengthening laboratory services in the Eastern Mediterranean Region
10 August 2023 – While there has been progress in building laboratory capacity in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, significant challenges remain, such as a lack of national policy and strategic planning for laboratory services, insufficient funding, insufficiently trained laboratory staff, inadequate laboratory infrastructure, old and...
Hepatitis medicines are cheaper now. Treat to save lives.
8 August 2023 – World Hepatitis Day is observed each year on 28 July. The slogan of this year’s regional campaign was “Hepatitis medicines are cheaper now. Treat to save lives”. In WHO’s Eastern Mediterranean Region, countries/territories have been making slow progress towards testing and treatment targets to eliminate hepatitis as a public...
50th country recognized by WHO for eliminating a neglected tropical disease, marking the halfway point towards the 100-country target set for 2030
30 July 2023 – The World Health Organization (WHO) congratulates Iraq for having eliminated trachoma as a public health problem, making it the fifth country in WHO’s Eastern Mediterranean Region to achieve this milestone. “The success of Iraq’s national trachoma programme has shown what can be achieved with national leadership and collaboration”,...
Health needs heighten as Sudan conflict displaces millions of people
Brazzaville/Cairo, 27 July 2023 – The conflict in Sudan that has forced 3.4 million people to flee for safety within the country and across its borders is rapidly intensifying health threats, with cases of infectious diseases and other afflictions reported among the displaced population who have sought refuge in hard-to-reach locations, with...
Three months of violence in Sudan: Health hanging in the balance
Joint statement by Dr Ahmed Al-Mandhari, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, and Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa 24 July 2023 – The relentless fighting that has raged in Sudan since April continues to claim lives, force people from their homes and country, and leave others trapped with limited access to...
World Drowning Prevention Day 2023: Anyone can drown, no one should
Photo credit: Indonesian National Search and Rescue Agency (BASARNAS) 25 July 2023, Cairo - Today is World Drowning Prevention Day, which is celebrated on the 25 July every year. The slogan of this year’s World Drowning Prevention Day is “Anyone can drown, no one should”. To mark the day, WHO continues to focus on raising awareness on drowning as...
