Cairo, 22 December 2021 - A year ago, the COVID-19 vaccine rollout had brought us hope that we could end the acute phase of the pandemic by the end of 2021. Instead, as we enter the third year of the pandemic, the world remains very much in its grip. Globally, COVID-19 has so far claimed more than five million lives and infected over 270 million...

Cairo, 20 December 2021– As 2021 comes to an end, the gap in COVID-19 vaccination coverage between countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region widens alarmingly  As of 14 December 2021, over 500 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in the Region, an average of 65 doses per 100 population. However, high- and...

Working together towards achieving Health For All By All 16 December 2021, Cairo – Motivated by their shared goal to achieve stronger collaboration and better health for all, international development, health and humanitarian agencies in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East and North Africa Region convened today for the second annual...

Cairo, Kuwait, 14 December 2021-With a revived sense of urgency sparked by COVID-19 for innovative approaches to improve public health, WHO Country Office, in coordination with the Ministry of Health (MoH) in Kuwait, organised a course titled Health Leadership for Positive Change from 6 to 9 December 2021 targeting mid and senior level officials at...

12 December 2021, Dubai – Today, the world celebrates Universal Health Coverage Day – the annual rallying point for the growing movement to ensure the right to health for every one, everywhere. Universal Health Coverage Day marks the anniversary of the United Nations’ historic and unanimous endorsement of a resolution in 2012 urging countries to...

9 December 2021 – The WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean and the United Nations System Staff College (UNSSC) today hosted the final leadership lecture as part of their joint Leadership Programme on Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness and Response with Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO’s Director-General. The leadership programme, which was...

9 December 2021, Cairo, Egypt – In its eighth annual meeting, the Islamic Advisory Group (IAG) reiterated its commitment to continue supporting the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, echoing its trust in the safety and effectiveness of all routine childhood vaccinations as a lifesaving tool that aligns with Islamic shariah. The meeting further...

9 December 2021 – We’re excited to announce the return of the global Walk the Talk: Health for All challenge this UHC Day. Hosted by the World Health Organization, in partnership with Expo 2020 Dubai and the Ministry of Health and Prevention of the United Arab Emirates, this year’s 24-hour global walkathon will feature people of all ages and...

Cairo, 8 December 2021 – Nine countries and territories from the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region met last week for a 2-day workshop in Istanbul to prevent and advance WHO response to attacks on health care in complex humanitarian emergencies. The WHO European Centre on Preparedness for Humanitarian and Health Emergencies and the Regional Office for...

Cairo, 1 December 2021 – COVID-19 continues to take a toll on people’s lives and health across the Eastern Mediterranean Region and beyond, spreading fear and frustration. The arrival of the new variant of concern Omicron has aggravated the situation and poses potential threats to the hard-won gains of the past two years. Recent trends of...