How National Health Institutes Can Address Health Emergencies in the Eastern Mediterranean Region

The WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region is dealing with 14 WHO-graded emergencies, 44 active disease outbreaks across 17 member states and territories, and 56 additional public health events under monitoring. Protracted conflicts, displacement, inequalities and attacks on health care are weakening systems already affected by insecurity, workforce shortages and disrupted supply chains. In 2022, the WHO Regional Committee adopted an agenda to build resilient health systems, including by strengthening health ministries and national public health institutes. During the COVID-19 pandemic, 13 institutions in 11 member states and territories contributed to surveillance, laboratory systems, research, risk communication and policy advice.