WHO chief calls for urgent health action across the Eastern Mediterranean

14 October 2026

World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus addressed the WHO regional committee meeting in Cairo, Egypt, on Wednesday, 14 October 2026.
The Eastern Mediterranean region spans 22 countries and territories.
He said the region remains the epicentre of global humanitarian need, with more than 117 million people in need of humanitarian assistance.
Noncommunicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes account for roughly two thirds of all deaths in the region, with more than 2.8 million lives lost every year.
He said attacks on healthcare continue at an appalling number and climate-related shocks are adding pressure on fragile health systems.
Tedros urged governments to reduce tobacco use, ensure all children are vaccinated and invest in health workers.