WHO Urges Urgent Health Action in Eastern Mediterranean

The WHO regional committee met in Cairo, Egypt, on 14 October 2026. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus addressed health leaders and senior officials. He said the region spans 22 countries and territories. He noted that more than 117 million people need humanitarian assistance.

Tedros said progress has been made in health and wellbeing despite difficult circumstances. He highlighted achievements in noncommunicable disease response. He said cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes account for roughly two thirds of all deaths, with more than 2.8 million lives lost each year.

Tedros warned that the region remains the epicentre of global humanitarian need. He said conflict continues to affect millions of people. He said attacks on healthcare and climate-related shocks strain fragile health systems.

Tedros urged investment in primary healthcare, surveillance, laboratories, emergency workforce, resilient facilities and supply chains. He said preparedness cannot be an afterthought. He urged governments to invest in strong, equitable and resilient health systems and health workers. He said every primary healthcare facility should provide quality care during pregnancy, newborn care and early detection of hypertension, diabetes and cancer.