As of June 2026, the Eastern Mediterranean region stands at a critical juncture, facing a complex web of humanitarian and health crises. A recent report from the World Health Organization (WHO) reveals a deteriorating situation, primarily fueled by persistent conflicts, widespread population displacement, the looming threat of disease outbreaks, and a severe food insecurity crisis. This precarious environment jeopardizes the health and well-being of millions, from Lebanon to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Iran, Iraq, the occupied Palestinian territory, Somalia, Sudan, the Syrian Arab Republic, and Yemen. ## Conflict's Heavy Toll on Health The echoes of conflict continue to reverberate across the Middle East, with renewed hostilities in early July reversing a brief period of de-escalation reported at the end of June. This escalation significantly amplified the risk of wider regional instability. Strikes in the Islamic Republic of Iran and several Gulf nations, coupled with threats to commercial shipping and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, have dire consequences. These events not only endanger civilians but also severely disrupt medical and humanitarian supply chains, making it incredibly challenging to maintain essential health services. In the Islamic Republic of Iran, humanitarian efforts and on-the-ground support face significant logistical and security hurdles. Domestic flight disruptions and perilous regions continue to restrict access for crucial WHO teams. Similarly, in Lebanon, insecurity, repeated population movements, and extensive damage to vital infrastructure, particularly in South Lebanon and Nabatiyeh, profoundly hinder humanitarian assistance. Sudan remains the region's most profound humanitarian catastrophe. A staggering 30.4 million people require urgent humanitarian aid, and 13.5 million are displaced from their homes. This crisis is compounded by multiple concurrent disease outbreaks and severe funding shortages, which constantly threaten the continuity of life-saving health services. Across other graded emergencies, humanitarian conditions have worsened in the occupied Palestinian territory and Somalia. Meanwhile, conflict, funding shortfalls, disease outbreaks, and climate-related hazards place immense strain on already fragile health systems in Yemen and the Syrian Arab Republic. ## The Shadow of Hunger: Escalating Food Insecurity A deepening food insecurity and health crisis plagues the Greater Horn of Africa. This dire situation is a direct consequence of ongoing conflicts, recurrent climate shocks like droughts and floods, massive displacement, and fragile health infrastructures. Over 37.8 million people are either experiencing or are projected to face acute food insecurity across six affected countries. Sudan, Somalia, and Djibouti alone account for nearly 26 million of these individuals. The most vulnerable populations bear the brunt of this crisis, including children under five, pregnant and lactating women, displaced communities, refugees, and those residing in hard-to-reach areas. Malnutrition significantly weakens the immune system, making these groups highly susceptible to infectious diseases, thereby creating a vicious cycle of hunger and illness that further strains inadequate health systems. ## Battling Disease Outbreaks and Strengthening Preparedness The threat of disease outbreaks remains a constant concern. Beyond the ongoing challenges of existing outbreaks like cholera in Sudan, the region is also proactively preparing for emerging threats. The WHO has intensified its regional preparedness efforts for Bundibugyo virus disease, a severe and often fatal illness belonging to the same family as the Ebola virus. Preparedness measures are comprehensive, focusing on strengthened surveillance to detect cases early, rapid response capacities to contain spread, diligent contact tracing, and robust infection prevention and control (IPC) protocols. Improvements in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) are crucial to prevent transmission. Laboratory preparedness ensures accurate and timely diagnosis, while community engagement builds trust and facilitates effective public health messaging. Contingency planning is also vital to anticipate and manage potential outbreaks. In Somalia, WHO has actively supported national preparedness planning, conducted readiness assessments, and pre-positioned essential supplies for viral haemorrhagic fevers and laboratory testing. A multidisciplinary mission to Sudan identified crucial operational gaps and strengths in preparedness, with further technical support missions planned for Somalia and Djibouti in July. ## WHO's Critical Response Across the Region Amidst these complex emergencies, the WHO has sustained critical health operations across the region, providing vital country-specific support. In the occupied Palestinian territory, partners delivered an impressive 708,600 health consultations within the first two weeks of June, offering a lifeline to countless individuals. In Sudan, WHO has supported 13 hospitals, four primary health care facilities, and 35 stabilization centers, crucial for treating severe malnutrition and other urgent conditions. Simultaneously, efforts to strengthen cholera preparedness and response are ongoing. In Somalia, WHO enhanced surveillance capabilities by training 144 health workers and 73 community leaders across 50 health facilities. Additionally, 6 tonnes of essential medicines and supplies were distributed, and 400 pallets of emergency medical commodities were strategically pre-positioned. In Yemen, Health Cluster partners provided support to 809 health facilities and deployed 116 mobile medical teams, reaching approximately 690,000 people with much-needed care. In the Syrian Arab Republic, WHO expanded the Early Warning Alert and Response System (EWARS), intensified active case finding, and implemented community-based surveillance in flood-affected areas, while also supporting the restoration of essential health services. In Lebanon, WHO continued to support hospitals, primary health care centers, emergency referral services, and health services for displaced and conflict-affected communities, ensuring access to care where it is most needed. ## Urgent Call for Funding and Regional Coordination To sustain these critical interventions, the WHO's Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean has issued an appeal for US$6.42 million. This vital funding is urgently needed to support health and nutrition interventions in Sudan, Somalia, and Djibouti. The funds will be instrumental in maintaining primary health care and life-saving nutrition services, strengthening disease surveillance and early warning systems, and preserving outbreak detection and response capacities. Furthermore, it will facilitate the expansion of nutrition screening and referral pathways, bolster community engagement initiatives, and enable the pre-positioning of essential medicines, diagnostics, and therapeutic supplies. At a regional level, WHO has also strengthened emergency preparedness and operational readiness through various initiatives. This includes providing technical support for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) emergencies – anticipating and preparing for threats ranging from industrial chemical spills to potential biological attacks. The development of national Emergency Medical Teams (EMTs) has been accelerated, enhancing local capacities for rapid deployment during crises. A global simulation exercise involving over 600 health emergency experts from 26 countries was conducted, improving coordination and response mechanisms. Targeted technical missions to Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have further strengthened “all-hazards preparedness.” This comprehensive approach ensures countries are ready for a wide range of emergencies, including natural disasters, public health intelligence gathering, robust emergency operations centers, enhanced health security, efficient emergency logistics, and ensuring the continuity of essential health services across the Gulf Cooperation Council. The ongoing crises underscore the urgent need for sustained international support and collaborative action to address the profound humanitarian and health challenges facing the Eastern Mediterranean region.