Health

WHO Eastern Mediterranean meeting: Tedros says 117 million people in the region need aid

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WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told the WHO Eastern Mediterranean regional committee in Cairo on 14 October 2026 that the region is the epicentre of global humanitarian need, with more than 117 million people requiring help. The 73rd session brings together health leaders from 22 countries and territories.

WHO Eastern Mediterranean: A UNICEF-supported breastfeeding counselling session for mothers in Gaza (file photo)
A UNICEF-supported breastfeeding counselling session for mothers in Gaza (file photo) Photo: © UNICEF/Eyad El Baba via UN News (editorial use with credit).

Tedros on conflict, attacks and funding cuts

Tedros said conflict continues to affect millions across the region, from Sudan and Yemen to the Occupied Palestinian Territory, which also hosts some of the world’s largest displacement crises. He pointed to an appalling number of attacks on health care and to climate shocks hitting fragile health systems. UN News said this comes as international funding for health and aid falls sharply, though he praised member states for improving health, often under the most difficult circumstances. At the very moment when needs are increasing, resources are declining, he said.

Key Facts

  • Session: 73rd Regional Committee, Cairo
  • Dates: 13-15 October 2026
  • Countries and territories: 22
  • People in need: 117 million+
  • NCD deaths: over 2.8 million a year

“Preparedness cannot be an afterthought. Preparedness saves lives before emergencies begin.”

— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General

Noncommunicable diseases cause most deaths

Noncommunicable diseases such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes cause roughly two-thirds of all deaths in the region, more than 2.8 million a year, Tedros said. He urged governments to cut tobacco use and other risk factors, make sure every child is vaccinated and invest in health workers. He asked that every primary health centre offer good pregnancy care and early checks for hypertension, diabetes and cancer.

What the WHO Eastern Mediterranean committee does

Regional committees are where member states review WHO’s work and set priorities for their part of the world. This session, held from 13 to 15 October according to WHO’s regional office, is reviewing the regional director’s annual report. Tedros said preparedness cannot be an afterthought and called for steady investment in surveillance, laboratories, emergency teams and supply chains.

Why It Matters: Decisions taken in Cairo shape how WHO spends money and staff across a region that holds several of the world's largest humanitarian crises.

Also on TrendDesh: UN pandemic declaration adopted 153-3 as US, Israel, Argentina vote against · UN budget 2027: Guterres proposes slimmer $3.3 billion plan, says need for UN 'never greater'

Source: UN News · WHO speech · WHO EMRO

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