Statement by Dr Ahmed Al-Mandhari. WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean 19 August 2018, Cairo, Egypt - The Eastern Mediterranean Region is witnessing an unprecedented number, magnitude and severity of emergencies, culminating in a major humanitarian tragedy. More than 70 million people are in need of health aid, including 16...

Breastfeeding within an hour of birth is critical for saving newborn lives  6 August 2018 – A new report by UNICEF and WHO reveals that an estimated 78 million babies – or 3 in 5 – are not breastfed within the first hour of life, putting them at higher risk of death and disease and making them less likely to continue breastfeeding. Most of these babies...

Cairo, Egypt, 26 July 2018 — WHO welcomes the generous support of the State of Kuwait through a US$ 59 million contribution to help the people of Yemen obtain greater medical assistance, particularly the most vulnerable — women, children, the injured and people with special needs. “Kuwait funding will provide urgent health assistance to more than 16.4...

19 June 2018 – On World Refugee Day 2018, the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean calls for renewed support for the protection and well-being of refugees and other displaced populations, and their right to seek health services with dignity, without discrimination, and without undergoing financial hardship.  Working with national...

12 June 2018, Cairo, Egypt – On the occasion of World Blood Donor Day 2018, the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean reiterates that the number of regular, voluntary, non-remunerated blood donations must be greatly increased in countries of the Region in order to ensure a reliable supply of safe blood for patients whose lives depend on...

5 June 2018 – Within a week, 2 record-setting tropical cyclones that formed in the Gulf of Aden made landfall, wreaking widespread havoc in Somalia, Oman and Yemen. The World Health Organization is supporting direct response efforts in Somalia and Yemen, while Oman relies on its preparedness developed in partnership with WHO. On 19 May, cyclone...

4 June 2018 – On 5 June every year, the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations sister agencies and thousands of communities and organizations celebrate World Environment Day. This year, the theme of the Day is “Beat plastic pollution” – a call for action for the world to work together to address one of the great environmental challenges of our...

28 May 2018 | Geneva – The World Health Organization’s Executive Board, currently holding its 143rd session in Geneva, has appointed Dr Ahmed Al-Mandhari of Oman as WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, following his nomination by a special session of the Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean on 19 May, 2018. Dr...

Cairo, Egypt, 31 May – Every year, on 31 May, the World Health Organization (WHO) and partners mark World No Tobacco Day, highlighting the health and other risks associated with tobacco use, and advocating for effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption. This year, World No Tobacco Day focuses on tobacco and heart disease. The campaign’s slogan is...

Geneva, Switzerland, 23 May 2018 – Today at the 71st World Health Assembly, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched the business case for WHO immunization activities on the African Continent 2018-2030,which outlines how WHO will support African Member States achieve universal immunization coverage.  While Africa has made tremendous progress in...