Doha: WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Dr. Hanan Hassan Balkhy said that the region is currently facing an unimaginable and unacceptable tragedy and suffering. She emphasized the strong commitment of all member states to work together to ensure that every person in the region enjoys fundamental human rights to life, regardless of their location, nationality, or economic or social affiliation.
She was speaking at a press conference held this evening marking the conclusion of the 71st session of the Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean. It was held under the theme “Health Beyond Borders” and chaired by the State of Qatar. It lasted four days before being concluded in Doha. Balkhy said that the meetings took place amidst emergencies affecting half of the region’s countries, noting that all participants were aware that precious lives are being lost every minute whether from the year-long war in Gaza to the conflicts in Lebanon, Sudan, Yemen, and the prolonged crises in Afghanistan,
Somalia, and other countries.
Dr. Balkhi explained that the Regional Committee is the primary body of WHO in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, and this annual session is a vital opportunity for leaders and policymakers from member states to join with partner organizations and WHO experts to address major issues. She pointed out that the meetings discussed emergencies and other challenges and celebrated various public health successes achieved in each country. These achievements ranged from significant growth in the Regional Healthy Cities Program to substantial progress in combating communicable diseases like hepatitis, leprosy, and malaria.
She said that one of the critical issues discussed at the Regional Committee meetings pertained to mental health and psychosocial support due to the impact of conflicts and emergencies, which can lead to issues such as anxiety, depression, and substance abuse caused by trauma and the loss of loved ones. She added that such annual meetings are a great opportunity to exch
ange experiences and best practices. WHO presented its key strategic plans for the region, including a new Regional Strategic Implementation Plan and three major initiatives. These will guide WHO’s work with countries over the next four years. The three initiatives aim to accelerate progress in critical areas: first, expanding access to essential medicines, vaccines, and medical products; second, investing in improving the health workforce’s preparation, employment, and retention; and third, intensifying public health efforts to address substance abuse.
The WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean expressed her pleasure that all member states have strongly supported these plans and provided valuable advice and insights. She noted that this session also discussed technical papers covering four major health issues. The first was a new framework for caring for those with physical injuries in humanitarian settings. The second was a new regional action plan to enhance mental health and psychosocial sup
port in emergencies. The third addressed the deadly threat posed by antimicrobial resistance in the region. The fourth focused on leveraging digital technology to improve health information systems and healthcare. Additionally, there was a full program of other discussions, media briefings, side events, and special events.
She stressed that the Eastern Mediterranean Region fundamentally needs sustainable peace to reach displaced people and achieve the meetings’ goal of Health Beyond Borders. It also requires the localization of medical industries, support for drug authorities, the prevention of attacks on medical centers and doctors, reducing the emigration of doctors from the region, and working together to find sustainable solutions to these challenges.
Regional Emergency Director for WHO’s Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean Dr. Rick Brennan said that the office has repeatedly called for peace to end conflicts and crises, but little progress has been made toward a ceasefire. During the press co
nference, Brennan added that WHO field teams are working in hospitals in Gaza to provide services, expressing hope for easier access to Lebanon so these teams can fulfill their critical roles. He highlighted the Regional Office’s efforts to combat disease outbreaks, including polio in Gaza, as part of the region’s challenges. He revealed that 181,000 children aged ten in Gaza have been vaccinated, and a cholera vaccination campaign targeting 350,000 people has been conducted in Lebanon. Brennan noted that 120 hospitals in Lebanon had been trained before recent escalations, where the situation has become extremely dire. The healthcare system is now under heavy pressure with rising occupancy rates due to deteriorating conditions.
Regarding evacuation orders for healthcare facilities, Brennan said that six hospitals have been fully evacuated, and five others partially evacuated, with 23 attacks on healthcare facilities. He clarified that efforts are ongoing to assist affected areas by providing health supplies,
training, and healthcare.
He emphasized the importance of access to essential health services, noting that many displaced individuals require dialysis or have chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease, all necessitating special care. Health services for these people become limited when they are displaced.
Meanwhile, Director of Programs for WHO’s Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean Dr. Adham Ismail said that one of the key issues discussed in the Regional Committee meetings was mental health, particularly the psychosocial support needed in conflict and emergency situations.
Ismail said that the conflicts and emergencies in Gaza, Lebanon, and elsewhere have caused mental health issues like anxiety and depression, as well as increased substance abuse due to the loss of loved ones. Mental health was a priority on the meeting agenda.
He pointed out that an emergency framework has been developed to integrate mental health support into emergency responses, ensuring mental healt
h care is provided to all who need it.
Ismail added that the WHO has launched an initiative to strengthen country offices in response to emergencies, aiming to increase the number of emergency workers and recruit more on-the-ground staff. He stressed that emergency response is a top priority, as indicated in the strategic implementation plan discussed during the Regional Committee meetings and endorsed by member states.
Source: Qatar News Agency