The World Health Organization’s 194 member states convened last week in Geneva for the 77^th World Health Assembly (WHA), an annual gathering of the WHO’s governing body to deliberate pressing global health issues and reach consensus on decisions crucial to WHO’s budgetary, financial, and administrative operations. Non-governmental and private sector organizations, philanthropic foundations, and academic institutions also joined in the event’s main and sideline activities.

The Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) exhibited significant involvement at the 77th WHA. Following EMPHNET’s delegation and its presence during the 77^th WHA. The region’s issues took center stage at a high-level pre-WHA event titled From Crisis to Opportunity: Health in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. This event was organized by WHO-EMRO. Its sessions shed light on the region’s progress over the past year and suggested proactive approaches to address mounting health challenges.

EMR countries made notable contributions throughout the event. Jordan led the WHA’s Committee B meeting and delivered a unified speech on behalf of the Council of Arab Health Ministers. Invaluable contributions from the EMR, along with those of other regions were also made to the IHR amendments, which were approved and accepted at the conclusion of the event. These recommendations for amendments were provided by the Review Committee, whose members comprised four from the region, including the EMPHNET Executive Director Dr. Mohannad Al Nsour.

The EMR also received official acknowledgment for the achievements it made to health, setting an example to be emulated beyond regional borders. Four of the eight highly valued WHO awards went to the region as follows: Saudi Arabia on its National Death Registry. Awards were also given to Dr. Ahmed Hamad Saif Al Wahaibi and Dr. Jamila Taiseer Yasser Al Abri from Oman for their outstanding contributions to public health.

The region was prominently featured in sideline events that provided an opportunity for experience sharing among countries and global health actors on topics of immediate regional relevance. A high-level WHO event titled “Strengthening Workforce Capacities for Health Emergencies: Progress with the Global Health Emergency Corps (GHEC)” prompted discussions on context-specific success stories achieved and challenges faced since the launch of GHEC last year.

In a panel discussion titled “Furthering Commitments to Promote the Health of Refugees and Migrants” held Under the patronage of the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of Morocco, distinguished experts, including the WHO-EMRO Regional Director Dr. Hanan Balkhy, presented insights on how to address the issues affecting refugees worldwide. Furthermore, GAVI organized an event titled “Immunizing in Fragile and Conflict Settings: Challenges and Opportunities” where panelists highlighted emerging opportunities for tailored support with a special mention of conflict-affected countries like Sudan and South Sudan.

The agenda included several WHO high-level relevant events including a session titled “Communities at the Center of Managing Health Emergencies” during which priorities were set for action in delivering strengthened community protection outcomes related to the health, environmental, social, and economic aspects of communities. A second session titled “Crisis in Gaza: Needs, Responses and Challenges Health of Palestinians and Palestine Refugees” offered insight into grave circumstances facing IDPs and refugees in the Gaza enclave. Other insightful discussions were hosted by USAID and WHO focusing on the role of local leadership in global health, emphasizing trust, transparency, and prompt responses.

The EMPHNET delegation, alongside country representatives and regional experts, attended sideline events centered on topics from other regions, leveraging them as opportunities for knowledge exchange. One event focused on resource-friendly means implemented by the Africa CDC for operating its New Public Health Order. A second event focused on experiences from Africa regarding financing health systems in light of climate change and impending pandemics, while a third side event from southeast Asia focused on innovative one health implementation.

Amidst these side discussions, the EMPHNET delegation actively engaged with various stakeholders to explore potential collaborations. Represented by Dr. Al Nsour it held talks with various country delegations present as well as existing and potential partners to further and explore areas of collaboration in the area of workforce development, emergency preparedness and response, refugee health, and NCD control and prevention.

Dr. Al Nsour actively participated in the WHA’s various activities in his capacity as an international expert from the EMR. He met fellow colleagues of the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN). He joined fellow members in an Advisory Group Meeting for the Lancet Commission on Evidence-based Implementation in Global Health. Through these discussions, recommendations were made for the success of evidence-based global health initiatives. It was concluded that such initiatives would succeed more through stronger stakeholder engagement, customized practice, and efficient training and resource management.

“The EMR’s distinct presence the 77^th WHA is a testament to its enduring commitment to health betterment at the regional and global levels. It holds the potential to advance, remain resilient, and protect health during ordinary and extraordinary circumstances.” - Dr. Mohannad Al Nsour, EMPHNET Executive Director