Latest Health News
WHO: 115 Million in Eastern Mediterranean Need Humanitarian Aid
Today, 115 million people across the Eastern Mediterranean Region require humanitarian assistance, half of global needs, with 14 ongoing WHO-graded health emergencies. Eighty million face food insecurity and 40 disease outbreaks are active; recent escalation caused over 1,000 deaths and 7,000 injuries.
Hospitals face trauma surges, supply disruptions, and access issues.
Iran Reports 925 Deaths, 6,100 Injuries and 14 Health Attacks
National authorities in Iran report over 925 deaths and 6,100 injuries from recent conflict; 14 attacks on health care since February 28 killed 4 health workers. Hospitals remain operational with expanded trauma capacity.
Public health consequences extend to chronic care and disease surveillance.
Lebanon: 683 Injuries, 123 Deaths Amid Rapid Deterioration
Since March 2, Lebanon reports at least 683 injuries and 123 deaths; nearly 96,000 displaced in 440 shelters. 43 primary health centers and 2 hospitals closed due to evacuation orders, limiting care access.
Collective shelters are at full capacity, redirecting to northern areas.
Gaza Hospitals in Crisis: 18 of 36 Non-Functional
Currently, 18 of 36 Gaza hospitals are non-functional; 46% of essential medicines and 66% of medical consumables at zero stock. Medical evacuations suspended since February 28; polio remains a threat.
WHO delivered supplies on March 4 and coordinates 35 Emergency Medical Teams.
WHO Supply Chains Disrupted for Gaza, Sudan, Yemen
Lifesaving relief for Gaza, Sudan held up by supply chain crisis via Strait of Hormuz and Port Sudan; over 50 emergency requests affected for 1.5 million people. Sudan's rainy season looms, worsening access in Darfur; urgent shipments resuming via UAE.
IOM notes stuck shelter items for Gaza.
WHO Seeks $690 Million for Eastern Mediterranean Ops
WHO needs US$690 million for 2026 emergency operations in Eastern Mediterranean, pre-escalation estimate now 70% underfunded. Urgent access needed for aid, medicines, fuel, and patient evacuations to West Bank.
Sustained peace is paramount for health.
IDF Warns of Diabetes Care Disruptions in Middle East
Over 35 million with diabetes in affected countries, including 5.5 million in Iran; conflicts disrupt insulin, monitoring, refrigeration, and facilities. Type 1 diabetes patients face life-threatening interruptions.
IDF urges protecting access to medicines, electricity, internet for telemedicine.
UN Chief Guterres: Middle East War Risks Global Economy
UN chief warns US-Israel war on Iran could spiral, affecting world economy; over 1,000 deaths and verified health care attacks across 16 countries. Calls for diplomatic negotiations to stop unlawful attacks causing civilian suffering.
WHO chief notes conflict impacts 16 countries.
PAHO: 8,000 Maternal Deaths in Americas in 2023
PAHO calls for intensified efforts for safe motherhood; 2023 saw nearly 8,000 maternal deaths in Americas, ratio of 59 per 100,000 live births. Rate remains above global targets despite ongoing initiatives.
Focus on reducing preventable deaths through better access.
WHO Webinar Pushes Community Social Protection in Crises
WHO-UNICEF webinar with 750 participants from 170 countries stresses multisectoral coordination for social protection in health emergencies. Emphasizes vulnerable groups like children, disabled, NCD patients; integrate cash assistance for equitable access.
Aims to embed in preparedness planning.
UNHCR Declares Middle East Crisis Major Humanitarian Emergency
UNHCR highlights displacement across region into southwest Asia; needs regional response amid funding crunch, pre-war $454M for Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan. Lebanon shelters full, opening more in north and Bekaa.
IOM warns of rapid supply chain deterioration.
UN Rights Chief Urges De-escalation as War Spreads
High Commissioner Türk calls for defending international law amid Middle East escalation to prevent bloodshed. Notes derision of laws sowing confusion on human values; leaders must commit unequivocally.
Ties to health crises from ongoing hostilities.