The Regional Director of the World Health Organization for the Eastern Mediterranean, Ahmed Al-Mandhari, stated in a press conference regarding the 70th regional committee meeting, "The year 2023 has been unique in several ways." He announced today, "In May, the organization declared that COVID-19 is no longer a public health emergency of international concern. However, it remains a persistent threat, as scientists are still discovering the spread of new variants and subvariants. COVID-19 has now become one among many issues that need to be managed alongside other infectious diseases and health challenges, so we must remain vigilant and not let our guard down."
He added, "The 70th session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean will be held from October 9 to 12 under the theme 'Together for a Healthier Future.' The regional committee's meeting coincides with celebrations around the world marking the 75th anniversary of the founding of the World Health Organization." He continued, "A report on the organization's work in the region over the past five years will be presented to the regional committee. The report documents the tremendous and relentless efforts made by our countries, territories, partners, and the regional office to achieve the strategic priorities of the WHO Vision for the region, Vision 2023, which include expanding universal health coverage, addressing the challenges posed by emergencies, enhancing the health and well-being of people in every country and territory in the region, and transforming the way the organization itself operates."
Al-Mandhari noted that "approximately 745 million people live in our region. The region contains some of the highest-income countries in the world as well as some fragile countries at the same time. Eleven countries and territories of the region's twenty-two have suffered from conflict in recent years. Other countries have also been affected by social and economic upheaval and the mass displacement of populations resulting from those conflicts. The agenda of the 70th regional committee highlights many public health issues that are of concern across our highly diverse region, with a strong emphasis on emergency preparedness and response. Central to these discussions are four technical papers addressing: integrating non-communicable disease care into emergency situations in light of lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, enhancing public health preparedness for mass gatherings in the region, strengthening the health workforce in the region and building its capacity based on experience gained from the pandemic, and stimulating action on the links between health and climate change."
