WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean

“The rapid escalation of hostilities in the Middle East is deeply alarming. Our Region is already fragile, shaped by years of conflict, displacement, and underfunded health systems. Further violence will not only claim lives directly. It will push already strained health systems closer to collapse, disrupt essential services, and deepen trauma across generations. I urge all parties to exercise immediate restraint and to de-escalate. The protection of civilians, health workers and health facilities is an obligation under international humanitarian law.” @HananBalkhy, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean.

Our latest @WHOEMRO situation report on conflict in the Middle East shows a worsening health situation in parts of the Region, with broader strain across countries. @WHO is supporting national responses to sustain essential health services and deliver critical supplies, including an emergency shipment to Lebanon just yesterday with support from @eu_echo. Read the full report on our website 👇👇 emro.who.int/images/stories…

WHO’s latest Situation Report (11–18 March) highlights a rise in casualties, displacement, and attacks on health care placing immense strain on already fragile health systems. WHO is working with countries and health partners to respond: delivering life-saving supplies, supporting trauma care, strengthening disease surveillance, and scaling up mental health support for affected communities. But needs are outpacing resources. Only 37% of WHO’s $633 million regional health emergency appeal is funded. Health care must be protected. Access must be ensured. Funding must be sustained. Lives depend on it. Read more: emro.who.int/images/stories…

في حالات الإجهاد النفسي الشديد والفقد واليأس، قد يشعر الناس بأن الحياة لا تستحق العيش. إذا شعرت بما يلي: 🟢الألم النفسي الشديد؛ 🟢اليأس؛ 🟢الشعور بالوحدة الشديدة؛ 🟢أفكار تراودك لإيذاء نفسك تَذَكَّر أنكَ لستَ وحدك. هذه علامات الضغوط النفسية وليس الضعف. وقد شعر بها الكثيرون وتعافوا بعد حصولهم على الدعم. التحدث يساعد على تخفيف العبء. تحدَّث إلى: 🟢شخص موثوق به؛ 🟢عامل صحي؛ 🟢مهني في مجال الصحة النفسية؛ 🟢اتصل بخدمات الطوارئ إذا كنتَ في خطرٍ داهم. عندما تشعر بانهيار كل شيء، تبقى حياتك أهم. المساعدة أقرب مما تظن. ابحث عن خدمات الصحة النفسية والطوارئ في بلدك: emro.who.int/mhps/ar/mental…

The World Health Organization continues to support Iraq’s health system. WHO has allocated US$500,000 to strengthen the emergency health response—supporting hospitals, frontline health workers, and ensuring the continuity of essential health services for communities in need. This support includes essential medicines and supplies, trauma care, mental health services, and strengthened emergency coordination. 🔗 Read the full press release: iraq.un.org/.../312046-who…...

In situations of extreme stress, loss and despair, people may feel life is not worth living. If you feel: 🟢severe emotional pain; 🟢hopelessness; 🟢deep loneliness; or 🟢have thoughts of harming yourself Remember you are not alone. These are signs of distress, not weakness. Many people have felt this way and recovered with support. Talking helps reduce the burden. Speak to: 🟢a trusted person; 🟢a health worker; 🟢 a mental health professional; or 🟢 call emergency services if you are in immediate danger. When everything feels broken your life still matters. 🔎 Help is closer than you think. Find mental health and emergency services in your country: emro.who.int/mhps/mental_he…

In my conversation with @TelGlobalHealth and @PaulNuki, we reflected on a simple truth: our Region needs the pill of peace to heal, thrive and prosper. Conflict is straining already fragile health systems and taking a heavy toll on people’s mental health. I am deeply grateful to the teams supporting people on the ground, despite all challenges. You may Listen to the conversation here ⬇️ youtube.com/watch?v=r3iN_f…

This Eid comes at a difficult time for many across the Eastern Mediterranean Region. My thoughts are with all those facing conflict, displacement and hardship. May this blessed occasion bring peace, health and hope. My deep gratitude to the health workers serving communities under the most challenging circumstances. Eid Mubarak.

يحل العيد هذا العام في وقت عصيب على الكثيرين في جميع أنحاء إقليم شرق المتوسط. وأُعرِبُ عن تعاطفي مع كل مَن يواجهون الصراع والنزوح والمصاعب. ولعل هذه المناسبة المباركة تحمل معها السلام والصحة والأمل. وإنني أتقدم بخالص الشكر والعرفان إلى العاملين الصحيين الذين يخدمون المجتمعات المحلية في ظل أصعب الظروف. عيد مبارك.

للإقلاع عن تعاطي مواد الإدمان أو الحد منها: ✅اقطع على نفسك عهدًا: حدد أهدافًا صغيرة وقابلة للتحقيق ✅تحدث عن هذه الأهداف: أخبر شخصًا تثق به عن أهدافك في هذا الموضوع ✅تجنب المحفزات ✅كن صبورًا: لا تستسلم ✅احتفظ بمفكرة يومية ✅كافئ نفسك ✅اطلب المساعدة المتخصصة عند الحاجة #رمضان_أكثر_صحة #رمضان_شهر_الصحة

To quit or reduce substance use: ✅ make a promise to yourself—set small, achievable goals   ✅ speak about it—tell someone you trust about your goals   ✅ avoid triggers  ✅ be patient—don’t give up   ✅ keep a diary   ✅ reward yourself   ✅ seek professional help when needed   #ATimeForHealth #HealthyRamadan

يواجه الأطفال حالات الطوارئ بشكلٍ مختلف. فقد لا يستطيعون التعبير عن خوفهم. قد يعاني صغار الأطفال مما يلي: • البكاء المفرط؛ • الكوابيس؛ • شدة التعلُّق؛ • النكوص (التبول في الفراش، مص الإبهام). قد يعاني الأطفال الأكبر سنًا مما يلي: • الانعزال؛ • إظهار تغيرات سلوكية مفاجئة؛ • الشعور بالذنب أو الخزي؛ • فقدان الاهتمام باللعب. وتؤكد إرشادات منظمة الصحة العالمية بشأن حالات الطوارئ على أهمية استعادة الأنشطة الروتينية والتواصل الأسري والأماكن الآمنة. ينبغي للوالدين ومقدمي الرعاية الحرص على ما يلي: ✔️الطمأنة؛ ✔️المحافظة على ممارسة الأنشطة الروتينية البسيطة؛ ✔️الحد من التعرض للمعلومات المزعجة؛ ✔️الإنصات دون تجاهل المخاوف؛ ✔️طلب المشورة المتخصصة إذا لزم الأمر. الأطفال يتعافون بطريقةٍ أفضل عندما يشعرون بالأمان والحماية والمحبة. المساعدة أقرب مما تظن. ابحث عن خدمات الصحة النفسية والطوارئ في بلدك: emro.who.int/mhps/ar/mental…

Children experience emergencies differently. They may not have the words to explain their fear. Young children may: • cry excessively; • have nightmares; • become clingy; and • regress (bed-wetting, thumb-sucking). Older children may: • become withdrawn; • show sudden behaviour changes; • feel guilt or shame; and • lose interest in play @WHO emergency guidance stresses the importance of restoring routines, family connections and safe spaces. Parents and caregivers should: ✔️ offer reassurance; ✔️ maintain simple routines; ✔️ limit exposure to disturbing information; ✔️ listen without dismissing fears; and ✔️ seek professional advice if needed. Children recover best when they feel safe, protected and loved. 🔎 Help is closer than you think. Find mental health and emergency services in your country: emro.who.int/mhps/mental_he…

How is the conflict in the Middle East affecting health care in #Gaza? Watch👇

I appreciate the opportunity to speak with @rory_oneilll from @POLITICOEurope at this critical moment. @WHO is strengthening preparedness for all potential health risks, while working to keep health systems functioning amid the escalating crisis in the Middle East. Health must be protected at all times. @UN l @UNarabic l @WHOEMRO 📖 Read here: politico.eu/article/were-p…

I appreciate the leadership of @MoPH_afg in driving a coordinated, whole-of-government effort to #EndPolio. This kind of alignment is critical to reaching missed children, improving campaign quality and sustaining progress. Continued national and global commitment will be essential to finish the job.

Physical activity benefits everyone and is especially important for people with #Diabetes. It improves insulin sensitivity, helps regulate blood sugar and reduces the risk of complications. Stay active in #Ramadan for better health! #HealthyRamadan #ATimeForHealth

النشاط البدني مفيدٌ للجميع، وهو مهم بشكل خاص لمرضى #السكري. فهو يحسن حساسية الأنسولين، ويساعد على تنظيم السكر في الدم، ويقلل من خطر حدوث مضاعفات. حافظ على نشاطك في #رمضان من أجل صحةٍ أفضل! #رمضان_شهر_الصحة #رمضان_أكثر_صحة

At the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, one message was clear: Health systems are now operating in a world of geopolitical fragmentation, prolonged crises and shrinking external funding. The context has changed and so must our response. @UN l @UNarabic l @WHOEMRO @AfricanUnionUN 📖 Read my latest editorial in the Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal: applications.emro.who.int/EMHJ/V32/02/10…

Check out WHO Lebanon Emergency Sitrep #11 for 17 March 2026

#أقلع_عن_التدخين في أي مرحلة عمرية لتحصل على فوائد صحية فورية وطويلة الأمد، منها: 🔵تحسين صحتك العامة💪🏾 🔵تقليل خطر إصابتك بالسرطان🎗️ 🔵تقليل خطر إصابتك بالنوبات القلبية🫀 والسكتات الدماغية🧠 أقلِع عن التدخين الآن واستمر على ذلك بعد #رمضان #رمضان_شهر_الصحة #رمضان_أكثر_صحة