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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...
WHO condemns attack on health care facility in Las Canood, Somaliland
Cairo/Mogadishu, 13 July 2023 – The World Health Organization (WHO) deplores and condemns the latest attack on a health facility in Las Canood, Somaliland on 11 July 2023. As a result of this attack, dozens of people were killed and injured — including health care workers and patients — and 2 ambulances were destroyed. “WHO extends its sincere...
WHO airlifts additional life-saving supplies to respond to health needs in Sudan
Credit: WHO/Ala Kheir Cairo, 10 July 2023 – A chartered flight carrying 18 metric tons of life-saving medicines and medical supplies worth US$ 560 000 arrived in Port Sudan for distribution to meet health needs amid the ongoing conflict. The shipment consists of essential medicines and consumables, diagnostic kits, blood bags, trauma and...
General health advice and guidelines for pilgrims
27 June 2023 – The World Health Organization (WHO) has developed a list of recommendations that each pilgrim should follow. These recommendations are in line with the health requirements set by the health authorities in Saudi Arabia for pilgrims in the Hajj season this year. Physical ability, chronic diseases and health education WHO recommends...
Statement by WHO's Regional Director on the occasion of hajj 2023
26 June 2023 – In just a few hours’ time, the hajj season for 2023 (1444 H) will begin. Millions of Muslims from every corner of the world are coming to Makkah. This year is of great significance as hajj is back to regular practice, with higher numbers of pilgrims expected after 3 years of special measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Continuing our strong and...
WHO welcomes the support of Member States and partners to the humanitarian response in Sudan and the Region
Cairo, 20 June 2023 – The World Health Organization (WHO) welcomes the support of Member States and partners to the humanitarian response in Sudan and the Region and urges donors to fulfil their pledges so that the urgent health needs of millions of Sudanese people can be met. A humanitarian crisis is always a health crisis. Two months of...
WHO requires US$ 145 million to respond to health emergency in Sudan and neighbouring countries
Brazzaville, Cairo, 16 June 2023 – The World Health Organization (WHO) today released a new funding appeal requesting US$ 145 million to meet the increasing health needs of people affected by violence in Sudan and to assist those who have fled to neighbouring countries. This funding will allow WHO to reach 7.6 million people inside Sudan and more...
