Recent amendments to the International Health Regulations (IHR) (2005) are a game-changer in the fight against public health threats. Our subregional workshop in Cairo empowered Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries – Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates – with the knowledge and skills to effectively implement the amendments. By strengthening cross-border collaboration and enhancing surveillance we are building a powerful defence against the spread of deadly pathogens.

National IHR focal points received immersive training to enhance their capacity to tackle complex health emergencies, including pandemics and natural disasters. Focused on practical application, the workshop refined command chain structures and fostered subregional coordination. Through dynamic learning, including simulations, participants gained a deep understanding of the IHR amendments which are set to take effect on 19 September 2025. The initiative equipped key personnel to identify gaps and enhance multisectoral collaboration, strengthening health security within the GCC. This work is critical for improving outbreak response and reducing the impact of public health emergencies.

In the face of immense challenges, WHO is committed to strengthening Afghanistan's health security. Our recent workshop in Kabul focused on enhancing national capacities for monitoring and evaluating the implementation of the International Health Regulations (IHR) (2005).

This joint effort with national counterparts involved collaborative discussions, technical guidance and capacity-building sessions focused on IHR monitoring, including preparation for the IHR States Parties Self-Assessment Annual Report (a tool assessing IHR capacities for detection and response) and Joint External Evaluation (a comprehensive assessment of national health security capacities). We also addressed priorities such as points of entry and risk communication and community engagement through a simulation exercise.

By equipping Afghan health professionals with the tools and knowledge to detect and respond to public health threats we are building a stronger defence against disease outbreaks and working to protect the health and well-being of the Afghan people.

Over the past decade, the Eastern Mediterranean Region has made significant strides in strengthening health security. Our newly published study in BMJ Public Health provides a comprehensive analysis of this progress, highlighting key achievements in laboratory systems, surveillance and risk communication.

The analysis utilizes International Health Regulations (IHR) Monitoring and Evaluation Framework tools, including joint external evaluations (comprehensive assessments of a country's health security capacities), State Party self-assessment annual reports (annual self-assessments of IHR core capacities), action reviews, simulation exercises and universal health and preparedness reviews (multisectoral reviews of health security).

While challenges remain, our determination to institutionalize IHR tools, develop national action plans to strengthen health security and secure funding through the Pandemic Fund has yielded tangible results. We will continue to advocate for political commitment and cross-sectoral partnerships to build a healthier and more secure Region for all.

The Saudi Disaster Medical Assistance Team (SDMAT) has achieved global recognition for excellence in emergency medical care. WHO’s recent classification of SDMAT as an Emergency Medical Team (EMT) Type 2 is a tribute to the Team’s dedication, training and unwavering commitment to saving lives. The recognition followed a peer-to-peer assessment in Riyadh from 10–12 March 2025.

SDMAT's success is the result of rigorous training and adherence to international standards. The recognition came in response to comprehensive training programmes, strong collaborations with national and international organizations – including WHO – and innovative approaches such as advanced diagnostic radiology standards in field hospitals. The Team’s active involvement in field operations and deployments, with WHO support, contributed to the successful global classification.

SDMAT’s success serves to inspire other EMTs across the Region and demonstrates the power of preparedness and collaboration in disaster response.

Qatar is taking proactive steps to prevent crises and pandemics. Our recent workshop, in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health, empowered multisectoral teams to develop a national all-hazards profile. Using the , Qatar undertook a comprehensive multisectoral risk assessment, strengthening emergency preparedness and readiness and ensuring a swift response to potential health threats.

WHO supported the identification of vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by deadly outbreaks. Proactive approaches are crucial to avoiding the devastating consequences of pandemics. Our work in Qatar is an essential investment in strengthening collaboration and building the foundation for national multi-hazard preparedness and response planning and serves as a powerful example of how enhancing preparedness protects public health and helps maintain the safety and well-being of populations.

In Yemen, where conflict and crises create fertile ground for misinformation, WHO is empowering communities to fight back. Our comprehensive 4-day training in Aden equipped 55 health professionals from the Ministry of Health, 10 Yemeni governorates, UN agencies and NGOs with the skills to manage infodemics. Through sessions on social listening, taxonomy application for diseases like cholera and dengue, social media data analysis and effective communication strategies, participants gained expertise in managing information flows and turning insights from social listening into a clear understanding of specific false narratives and public concerns.

The training used local case studies and Arabic materials, ensuring cultural relevance. With a focus on building resilience, we are erecting a wall of truth against the tide of harmful rumours. This work empowers communities to make informed health decisions and contributes to better health outcomes.

When disasters strike, every second counts. Our mission to Libya focused on strengthening the emergency care system and ensuring rapid and effective crisis response. By conducting an emergency and critical care system assessment, facilitating strategic planning workshops and training health care workers on the , we are helping enable hospitals and health facilities to withstand emergencies and disasters, maintain functionality and deliver health care services to populations in need.

From heatwaves and floods to droughts and extreme storms, the changing climate poses a growing threat to the health of communities across the Eastern Mediterranean Region. WHO’s contribution to the Sixth Arab Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in Kuwait highlighted the urgent need for climate-resilient health systems.

We contributed to the Regional Assessment Report of Arab States, particularly to Chapter 6 on climate change-induced health threats. At the event, we promoted strategies to control climate change health impacts, with a focus on vulnerable populations. Our presentation also addressed building resilient health systems in resource-constrained settings and the role of technology and innovation in supporting these goals.

By advocating for proactive strategies, strengthening health infrastructure and leveraging technology, we are working to protect vulnerable populations and public health in the face of this unprecedented challenge.

Iraq is taking decisive action to build a more resilient health system. WHO collaboration with the Ministry of Health and other partners in Baghdad resulted in the development of a comprehensive 2-year operational action plan for health security (2025–2026).

Building on the 2023 Joint External Evaluation – a comprehensive assessment of the country's health security capacities – and Iraq’s National Action Plan for Health Security, the plan strengthens International Health Regulations (2005) core capacities. National preparedness is enhanced via multisectoral collaboration between government, WHO and partners. The roadmap outlines targeted investments in surveillance, laboratories, emergency response and risk communication. By strengthening these pillars of health security we are empowering Iraq to prevent, detect and respond to public health threats, protecting its people and contributing to regional stability.

In the digital age, technology is a vital tool in effective emergency management. Our collaboration with the Ethiopian Public Health Institute and Resolve to Save Lives is establishing a cutting-edge Centre of Excellence for Public Health Emergency Management (PHEM) in Ethiopia.

By implementing the ePHEM system we are supporting the creation of a central information hub that will streamline and facilitate end-to-end emergency management, including all phases of the emergency cycle from preparedness through to response, covering signal detection, incident coordination, strategic risk assessments, workforce management, One Health integration, financial oversight, inventory control, notifications and more.

ePhem will be integrated with other existing systems, including DHIS2 (IDS and POE), EIOS, HERAMs and the hotline system, creating a digital defence that will empower Ethiopia to manage emergencies with greater speed and efficiency and serving as a model for other countries.

Human health is inextricably linked to the health of animals and the environment. WHO’s launch of the first One Health Field Epidemiology Training Programme in the Eastern Mediterranean and North Africa, which convened in Egypt, represents a major step towards a more integrated and sustainable approach to health. An investment in well-being for all, it aligned with Egypt’s National One Health Strategy 2023–2027.

The Programme attracted high-level participation from government and international partners, including the Food and Agriculture Organization and the Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network (EMPHNET). Trainees completed 4 workshops focused on enhancing their field and managerial skills.

By training professionals from diverse sectors – health, agriculture, environment, food safety and drug authorities – we are building a workforce capable of tackling the complex health challenges posed by zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance and environmental pollution.

The Pandemic Fund, which aims to strengthen global pandemic prevention, preparedness and response, is a powerful tool in the arsenal against future pandemics. With WHO support, 10 countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region secured US$ 143.3 million in funding to strengthen their preparedness and response capabilities.

Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Pakistan, occupied Palestine territory, Tunisia and Yemen received significant funding through individual proposals. Djibouti, Somalia and Sudan benefited from a regional initiative focused on Mpox preparedness. The funding is part of a substantial global allocation and will enhance health security, including early warning systems, surveillance, laboratory networks and health workforce skills.

We played a key role in supporting the development of these proposals and continue to provide guidance to ensure effective implementation. By channeling these resources strategically, we are building a stronger defence against future outbreaks and working to protect the health and well-being of the Region.