8 March 2015 – The theme of International Women's Day 2015 was chosen to highlight the need for an equitable representation of women and girls in decision-making processes;  in different aspects of life – health, education, livelihood – and political participation in a world that is free from violence and discrimination.  This year, the Day takes on...

26 February 2015 - WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Dr Ala Alwan said, "WHO supports the decision to increase the tax on cigarettes in Egypt," describing the decision as "consistent with WHO recommendations on tobacco control." The Regional Director agreed with Egypt’s Finance Minister Mr Hany Kadry Demian, who stressed that...

High-level mission shines spotlight on challenges facing immunization services in Pakistan Islamabad, 19 February 2015 – Childhood immunization in Pakistan is at a crossroads and strong political will is required to ensure that the lives of millions of children are not put at risk, three global health leaders warned today. Almost three million...

There is no cure for polio and the vaccine is safe and effective. Children should be vaccinated several times to ensure they are protected for life and adults too can carry the virus.Nairobi, 19 February 2015 – Somalia is marking six months since the last polio case was seen in the country following an outbreak that affected 199 people, mostly...

29 January 2015 - The World Health Organization deplores the recent attacks on health staff and health facilities in Afghanistan, Sudan and Yemen, and expresses deep concern about the serious implications of these attacks on patients, medical personnel and health infrastructure. In countries where violence is ongoing, repeated and targeted...

Cairo, Egypt, 18 January 2015 – The third regional stakeholders’ meeting to review implementation of the International Health Regulations IHR (2005) concluded in Cairo, Egypt, on 13 January after over 130 participants from 17 countries in the Region collectively reviewed the progress countries are making in achieving the core capacities required under...

4 November 2014 -- In the context of the collective efforts of WHO and Member States for stepping up preparedness and readiness of the health sector for EVD, and in view of the threat of its introduction and the possible social and economic consequences, WHO has urged countries to rapidly assess and measure their level of preparedness and...

22 October 2014, Tunis -- The 61st session of the Regional Committee concludes its meetings in Tunis, Tunisia today, adopting a number new health initiatives, action plans and resolutions. Nearly 100 delegates and 48 international, regional organizations attended the meeting and actively participated in the discussions. Members of the Regional...

21 October 2014, Tunis – A panel discussion on the prevention of noncommunicable diseases has been held during the WHO Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean. During the panel, Dr Ala Alwan, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, announced a new WHO initiative to address the unopposed marketing of tobacco and unhealthy...

In his opening speech before the 61st session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean, Dr Ala Alwan, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, said that WHO was currently facing an unprecedented situation as it responded to five high-level grade 3 emergencies around the world, two of which were in the Region. Dr...